Kenya’s Generation Z has kicked off a bold social media movement under the trending hashtag #SabuniSabuni, urging young people to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Unlike previous years, when mobilization was left to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or political parties, Gen Z is now taking charge. Using memes, witty banter, and viral challenges, the campaign is spreading rapidly across TikTok, X, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The phrase “Sabuni Sabuni” (Swahili for “soap”) symbolizes cleansing Kenya’s political system of corruption and broken promises. Popular memes include: “Don’t call me for favours if you haven’t registered as a voter” and “Guza jirani na umuulize kama amerigester”, nudging peers to hold each other accountable.
From Protests to the Ballot
This movement builds on the momentum of recent youth-led protests. Instead of stopping at the streets, young Kenyans are shifting their activism to the ballot box, emphasizing that political change begins with voter registration.
In 2022, Kenya had 22.12 million registered voters, with youth aged 18–34 making up nearly 40% of the register. However, turnout dropped to just 65.4%, the lowest in 15 years. Gen Z activists argue that higher participation in 2027 could decisively shape leadership on issues such as education, jobs, and governance.
IEBC Opens Continuous Registration
The IEBC launched its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on September 29, 2025, enabling eligible Kenyans to register, update, or transfer their voter details. Citizens must present a valid ID or passport to access the service.
Civic educators estimate that adding 5.6 million new voters would expand the register to nearly 27.8 million, giving youth unprecedented electoral power.
As one viral post declared: “2027 is not about watching. It’s about washing.”
The message is clear Gen Z is ready to wash Kenya’s politics clean, one voter card at a time.
