Cherargei gives a challenge to youth behind Niko Kadi drive

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has appealed to the Kenyan youth to look beyond mere voter registration and actively seek elective leadership positions.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Cherargei stressed that the youths under the ‘Niko Kadi’ initiative should utilise the time and run for political seats.

The senator emphasised that while obtaining a voter’s card is a critical first step, it is insufficient to address the country’s challenges if young people do not also offer themselves as candidates.

“I want to encourage young people, it’s not enough to take the card, the voter turnout is still a problem in this country. I want to challenge young people; don’t say Uko Kadi to vote out so and so. Run for those elective offices, run to be elected to be an MCA and to be even the president,” Cherargei said.

Charargei’s take on the presidency post

However, Cherargei specified that aspirations for the presidency should realistically be after 2032, encouraging the youth to start with local and national leadership roles first to gain experience.

“Run for elective positions, but after 2032 for president,” Cherargei noted.

Cherargei stated that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been allocated enough money to facilitate the registration of 2.5 million new voters over the next 30 days.

He therefore called for a massive mobilisation effort to mop up potential voters across the country, stressing that the registration drive should remain a universal exercise.

“Let us also assist by mobilising Kenyans; they are supposed to register 2.5 million in the next 30 days. We have given IEBC 1 billion Kenyan shillings. Let us mop up, and I want to appeal to politicians that the Niko Kadi should be universal regardless of whether we go two terms or one term. We should allow everybody to register,” Cherargei said.

Niko Kadi challenge

The young Kenyans are already energised, pushing a strong civic message through the rallying calls Niko Kadi and Tuko Kadi to encourage voter registration. The slogans reflect a growing awareness among first-time voters and those who have yet to join the register.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reported a surge in voter registration across the country following the rollout of the ‘Niko Kadi’ initiative.

Speaking to a local television station on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana said the campaign is already boosting turnout.

Mukhwana said the initiative, which began in Kasarani last week, has significantly increased the number of Kenyans turning up to register.

“We are seeing a surge across the country since this #NikoKadi initiative began in Kasarani last week,” he said.

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