Nairobi governorship aspirant Agnes Kagure has voiced strong support for young Kenyans registering as voters, saying she is encouraged by the energy behind the “niko kadi” movement and standing with every youth taking that step.
In a recent message shared on her Facebook page, Kagure praised the growing number of young people choosing to take part in the country’s political process through voter registration.
She pointed out that the movement shows a shift in mindset among the youth, who are beginning to understand the importance of being involved in decisions that affect their future.
She also highlighted collaboration with initiatives such as MBOGI NA MAMA, noting that working together has helped spread awareness and mobilize more young people to sign up.
To underline her own commitment, she added the phrase “Hata mimi niko kadi,” meaning she too is registered, reinforcing her message of leading by example.
The phrase “niko kadi” has quickly gained popularity across the country in 2026. It is commonly used by young people to show they have registered as voters and received their voter identification card from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
What started as a simple expression has turned into a wider movement, especially on social media platforms where youth share photos and videos after completing registration.
Hashtags linked to the phrase have helped turn online discussions about governance, jobs, and the cost of living into real action.
For a long time, there has been criticism that young people are active online but less involved in actual voting. However, recent trends suggest a change. Following past public events and growing awareness, many youths are now focusing on the upcoming 2027 general election as an opportunity to influence leadership through the ballot.
Reports from different parts of the country, including Nairobi and Nyeri, indicate that the movement is having an impact. Registration centers have seen increased turnout, with some areas recording hundreds of new young voters within a short period.
Public events, including those held at large venues like the Moi International Sports Centre, have attracted crowds eager to register.
Influencers and public figures, including Allans Ademba, have also played a role in spreading the message and encouraging participation.
Kagure has also pointed to the link between civic action and everyday community needs.
Through her engagement with MBOGI NA MAMA, which focuses on local issues such as water access and service delivery in areas like Kibra, she emphasized that voter registration is not separate from daily life. Instead, it gives citizens the power to choose leaders who address these challenges.
The ongoing registration drive by the electoral body is being met with strong youth response. While some politicians have tried to associate themselves with the “niko kadi” message, many young people insist that the movement should remain independent and focused on citizen action rather than political influence.
Kagure’s remarks add to the growing momentum, reinforcing the idea that meaningful participation begins with registration. The continued rise of the movement suggests that more young Kenyans are ready to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future through the power of their vote.
