If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or X lately, you’ve probably seen it, young Kenyans flashing their IDs and voters’ card, asking, “Niko kadi, je wewe?”

What began as a playful online trend has quickly turned into a nationwide civic push, especially among the youth, urging Kenyans to secure their national IDs ahead of the 2027 General Election.

But behind the viral excitement lies a worrying reality.

A spot check by Mtaa Wangu shows that thousands of Kenyans who have already applied for IDs have yet to collect them, putting their chances of registering as voters at risk.

According to the National Registration Bureau, over 462,502 national IDs remain uncollected across the country as of March 18,2026. This is despite a surge in applications, with at least 1.7 million Kenyans applying since May 2025, when the government waived ID application fees.

Further data reveals that Nakuru is among the worst affected counties.

According to Gilbert Kitiyo, Secretary of the National Registration Bureau, Nakuru ranks third nationally in uncollected IDs.

“Out of the 462,502 uncollected IDs countrywide, Nairobi leads with a backlog of 71,060, followed by Kiambu at 40,141. Nakuru has 28,229; Meru, 24,893; Mombasa 23,000; and Busia 20,330,” Kitiyo notes.

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibara says data shows, 23,602 IDs remain uncollected across sub-counties of Nakuru.

"A breakdown shows Naivasha leading with 2,300 uncollected IDs, followed by Nakuru East (2,265) and Kuresoi South (1,778). Other areas include Molo (1,550), Gilgil (1,531), Nakuru North (1,490), and Njoro (1,420)," He notes

Meanwhile, Nakuru West has 1,158, Rongai 880, Subukia 825, and Kuresoi North 601 uncollected IDs.

At the centre of the backlog is Huduma Centre Nakuru, where 7,804 IDs remain uncollected, the highest single collection point in the county.

According to Michael Otieno, Centre Manager, Nakuru Huduma Centre, many applicants fail to return after applying due to a mix of logistical and perception challenges.

“Some applicants relocate after applying and never follow up. Others assume the IDs are not ready or fear long queues, so they keep postponing collection,” he explains.

Michael Otieno, Centre Manager, Nakuru Huduma Centre, speaks on over 7,000 uncollected ID's at the center on March 18,2026.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

Officials also note failure to act on notification messages has contributed to the growing backlog.

Yet, for many Kenyans, the viral trend is now pushing them to act.

At Huduma Centre Nakuru, Mtaa Wangu met Anne Waithera, a first-time applicant, who said the online buzz influenced her decision.

“Nimekuwa nikiona challenge iko TikTok, watu wakichukua ID na kura wakisema wako kadi, hata mimi nataka kuchukua ID ndio niseme niko kadi,” she says.

Anne Waithera, a first-time ID applicant at the Nakuru Huduma Centre on March 18,2026

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

However, failure to collect IDs carries serious consequences beyond missing out on a trend.

Without a national ID, one cannot register as a voter with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), effectively locking them out of the 2027 elections.

This means thousands, especially young people, risk missing the opportunity to vote simply because their IDs are sitting uncollected in offices.

As the “Niko Kadi, Je Wewe?” movement continues to grow, it is now exposing a deeper issue, not just registration, but follow-through.

With 2027 fast approaching, the message is clear: applying for an ID is only half the journey, collecting it is what secures your voice at the ballot.

And now, the question remains, umepata kadi kweli, ama bado iko kwa ofisi?

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Niko Kadi: Uncollected ID cards backlog derailing campaign in Nakuru

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