Youth Mobilisation Drive Gains Ground as Alex Matere Champions ‘Tuko Kadi’ in Westlands

Westlands parliamentary hopeful Alex Matere (left) with fellow political aspirants during the “Tuko Kadi” voter registration and civic awareness drive at the Westlands DCC offices, rallying youth to register and take part in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

By: Gladys Karuga 

Westlands parliamentary hopeful Alex Matere has stepped up efforts to rally young voters through an expansive voter registration and civic awareness campaign under the “Tuko Kadi” banner, as political activity begins to build momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The initiative, which kicked off at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s offices, attracted a significant number of youths and residents, many of whom were taken through the voter registration process and encouraged to secure their place in the country’s electoral roll. The campaign is part of a wider national push aimed at increasing youth participation in elections.

Matere was accompanied by a team of political aspirants and civic leaders, among them Dagoretti North MP hopeful Titus Makhana, Abigael Gikonyo, Brian Weke, and Pauline Njoroge, who collectively called for increased civic responsibility among young Kenyans.

In his address, Matere urged the youth to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise, noting that participation in elections begins with acquiring a voter card.

“A voter card is your voice in leadership decisions. Without it, you are left out of the process that determines your future,” he said.

He emphasized that the campaign is not only about registration but also about building an informed and engaged electorate capable of demanding accountability.

Makhana echoed the sentiments, framing voter registration as both a right and a duty.

“Young people must understand that leadership is determined by those who show up. Registering is the first and most critical step,” he said.

After the initial forum, the team extended their campaign to Kangemi and Mountain View estates, engaging residents directly through street outreach and door-to-door sensitisation. The exercise focused on educating eligible voters on the requirements and timelines set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Pauline Njoroge, on her part, pointed to the growing enthusiasm among the youth, citing increased turnout at registration centres as a positive indicator.

“We are witnessing a shift where young people are becoming more intentional about participating in the democratic process,” she said.

She also called on relevant government agencies to streamline services, especially the issuance of identification documents, to prevent eligible voters from being excluded.

With the “Tuko Kadi” campaign continuing to spread across different parts of the country, Matere’s Westlands drive underscores the rising focus on youth as a decisive voting bloc, as leaders intensify early engagement efforts ahead of the next general election.