Ademba Allans awarded, vows to continue advocating for young Kenyans
By Katemarthason Okudo, August 31, 2026Photojournalist and civic activist Allans Ademba has received the Katiba Roll of Honour in recognition of his work in civic education, journalism and youth mobilisation.
Ademba, who has become a familiar face in Kenya’s youth civic space, shared the news on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, reflecting on the challenges he has faced while speaking up on issues affecting young Kenyans.
The recognition came after years of using journalism and digital platforms to encourage young people to take part in civic and democratic processes.
Ademba reflects on his journey
Ademba rose to public attention during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, where his work on the ground and efforts to assist injured protesters brought him into the public eye. His coverage and experiences during the demonstrations later featured in a BBC Africa documentary examining the events surrounding the protests.
Since then, he has expanded his work beyond journalism, focusing on civic education, human rights advocacy and youth mobilisation. In his message, Ademba recalled the difficulties he had faced while pursuing his work, including arrests and attempts to discourage him from speaking out.
“A few months ago, I was fighting to be heard. Today, I am being recognised for speaking up,” he said.
He added that the journey had involved being blocked, arrested, intimidated and facing attempts to silence or discredit his work. “But I was not silenced,” he added.
Tuko Kadi campaign
One of Ademba’s most visible initiatives has been Tuko Kadi, a youth-led voter registration campaign encouraging young Kenyans to register ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The campaign has used social media, grassroots mobilisation and civic education to encourage young people to move beyond online conversations and take part in the electoral process. Reports have described Ademba as one of the key figures behind the campaign, which has mobilised large numbers of young voters.
In April, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called for Ademba to receive state recognition, citing his role in encouraging young people to register as voters. The recognition now comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, with young people expected to form a significant part of the electorate.
What the Katiba award means
The Katiba Roll of Honour recognises individuals who have contributed to promoting the values and principles of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Ademba was among those honoured during a Katiba@16 event held at Alliance Française in Nairobi on August 28, 2026. He was recognised alongside other Kenyans involved in areas including journalism, civic education, human rights and technology.
For Ademba, the award represents more than personal recognition. He sees it as a reminder that young Kenyans can play a role in shaping the country’s future. “Receiving the Katiba Roll of Honour is a reminder that speaking up matters and that young people have the power to shape Kenya’s future,” he said.
He also made it clear that the recognition would not mark the end of his work. Ademba said the work continues, particularly as young Kenyans prepare to make their voices heard through the ballot.