A youth‑driven civic movement dubbed Tuko Kadi is sweeping across Kenya, energising young people to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general election while firmly rejecting political interference.
The phrase Tuko Kadi, Sheng for “we have the card” has become a rallying cry for Generation Z, symbolising ownership, empowerment, and civic responsibility.
The campaign has exploded across social media platforms such as TikTok, X, and Instagram, where thousands of young Kenyans are proudly sharing their voter registration cards and encouraging peers to do the same through viral videos and creative challenges.
Beyond the digital buzz, the movement has translated into on‑ground mobilisation. Youth organisers are visiting registration centres, hosting civic education drives, and coordinating county‑level outreach to ensure that first‑time voters understand the importance of participating in the democratic process.
However, as the campaign’s visibility grows, so too have attempts by political figures to associate themselves with the movement, drawing sharp criticism from its organisers. Youth leaders have issued strong warnings to politicians, insisting that Tuko Kadi remains a citizen‑led initiative, free from party influence or partisan agendas.
“The campaign belongs to the youth,” one organiser said. “It’s about empowering citizens, not advancing political careers.”
The movement’s founder has gone further, condemning efforts to co‑opt the slogan and messaging as “intellectual theft.” They emphasised that Tuko Kadi is rooted in civic empowerment and accountability, not political opportunism.
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 polls, Tuko Kadi is emerging as a defining force in youth political engagement, a generation’s declaration that their voices, and their votes, matter.
