Celebrities backing ‘Niko Kadi’ initiative as Kenyans register as voters ahead of 2027 election
By Charles Ouma, March 19, 2026Kenyan youth are leaving nothing to chance in their quest to influence the outcome of elections in 2027.
Leveraging the power of social media, the youth have rolled out fierce civic education and mobilisation for Kenyans to register as voters with the hashtag #NikoKadi trending.
The initiative was launched after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission expressed concern over the low number of Kenyans registering as voters.
Dubbed Niko Kadi, the initiative is the product of activism on social media, where the challenge, which has since taken over, started by gaining traction on TikTok before spreading to other platforms.
@WillieOeba
Activist Willie Oeba and journalist Allans Ademba, who championed the initiative on social media, have celebrated the gains, keeping it running with plans to camp in different parts of the country.
Celebrities back initiative
Celebrities have also joined in, giving it enhanced publicity, with IEBC staff conducting voter registration and witnessing the results.
Kenyan musician Fidel Shammah, popularly known as Charisma, is among those backing Niko Kadi and has used his platforms to urge Kenyans to make voter registration their top priority ahead of the upcoming elections.
“Are you registered?? This should be the first question you ask anyone. A talking stage at the club, at the universities, at events, and at chamas. Any meet-up! This is a pivotal moment for us as Kenyans.” Charisma said on Instagram on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Addelle Onyango expressed pride in those leading the push, confirming that she is a registered voter ready for the task ahead.
“Personally, individually, as myself, Niko Kadi, I am so proud of all the Kenyan Gen Zs leading the push for Kenyans to register to vote,” she said.
Award-winning journalist Larry Madowo is also very ready for 2027 and confirmed his registration status while urging eligible Kenyans to register as voters.
Milele FM radio host and actress Jacquey Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, has also hopped onto the trend, sharing her voter registration details in a bid to inspire others to register.
Octopizzo’s push
For months, Octopizzo has been using his platforms to drive civic education and embraced the initiative, with Allans Ademba announcing that Kibra would be their stop on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“TUCHUKUENI KURA BANA JO Real change starts with us. Registration isn’t just paperwork, it’s power. It’s how communities that have been overlooked finally speak for themselves and shape the future they deserve,” reads a message pinned on Octopizzo’s X account.
With millions of followers across various social media platforms, the initiative has enjoyed enhanced publicity.