Kenyan youths have always found creative ways to express their opinions. They use various forms and styles, from memes that leverage social media to art expressed through music, poetry, and more.

This has always been their way of speaking out. They know how to advocate for themselves and have even developed their own slang to voice their grievances. Today, the popular phrase is “Niko Kadi.”

I have attended demonstrations in Kenya for much of my artistic life, but two stand out most vividly. The demonstrations in June 2024 and 2025 saw young people from all walks of life rise up to fight for justice.

Tear gas was deployed, some police used live ammunition, people were injured, and some even lost their lives. It was a tragic time for Kenya. These protests were not only a powerful statement against corruption and mismanagement of the country’s resources but also a crucial moment that highlighted the urgent need for the nation to handle human life with greater care and respect.

Now, turning back to Niko Kadi, what does it actually mean?

The name is inspired by the game of playing cards. Those familiar with this name will understand its significance, and for those who are not, I will try to explain.

Niko Kadi simply means I have a special card that will help me win the said game. In the Kenyan context, it means I have obtained a voter registration card, which enables me to vote for better changes in our governing body.

This is a powerful call for young people to step forward and register to vote, ensuring their voices are heard. What began as a movement initiated by a young individual has blossomed into a nationwide campaign.

With politicians and corporations joining the effort, it underscores the remarkable influence of young people—let’s call them Gen Z—and the impact of social media.

Witnessing young people rise to the occasion is truly inspiring, as it aligns perfectly with the mission we have championed since founding this organization. We have launched similar initiatives, and knowing that we have empowered others to continue this work is profoundly meaningful.

We have always championed the education and empowerment of youth, particularly those living in informal settlements. These communities face significant challenges due to their vulnerabilities and high unemployment rates.

To address this, we launched the Movie Kibanda Project, where we visited informal movie theatres to share uplifting and positive messages with our community. Our project harnesses the power of art for social impact, with storytelling playing a central role.

We have collaborated with various talented artists, including spoken word poets, to effectively convey our message. Below are some links to projects we have previously undertaken. https://youtu.be/41ecgVaiKLw?si=JzXSNtgWczWr7nhS

written by Olwah