By By Angeline
The landscape of Kenyan politics is undergoing a dramatic transformation,driven by a new and vibrant;The Gen Z.This generation has risen as a powerful force in Kenyan politics, leveraging digital platforms to organize protests,hold their leaders accountable and advocate for policy changes.A generation born into a world of interconnectivity and rapid technological advancement,Gen Z has moved to mobilize society,amplify their voices and advocate for systematic change through digital platforms.
The core concerns driving this activism are against corruption,socio-economic inequality, discrimination in youth empowerment,lack of environmental sustainability among many other concerns.They’ve gone ahead and lead informed protests, social media campaigns and community based efforts that have brought these issues to the forefront of the national conversation.The Gen Z protests were spontaneous in nature,the government and security services did not expect such activity across the country.Over 40 demonstrators were killed and over 300 were injured since the police initially reacted violently.
This brings us to the big question;How has the Gen Z movement reshaped politics in Kenya?
Harnessing the power of social media platforms – X(formerly Twitter),TikTok, Instagram and YouTube,Kenyan Gen Z’s have engaged politically and amplified their voices ,unlike the previous generations that relied on physical protests and mainstream media coverage.The Gen Z educate through hashtags,livestreams and viral videos.A prime example is the #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement, where they organized and mobilized nationwide protests against unjust taxation and corruption.This transformed quickly into a real-world demonstrations shaking the political establishment, catching the leaders off guard with the movement’s speed and coordination.
The Gen Z challenged the traditional political norms,they were not impressed by political tribalism and patronage that have been defining Kenyan elections for a long time.They demand accountability,transparency and ethical leadership regardless of ethnic background and party affiliation.For instance,in the year 2024 many Gen Z protestors boldly rejected attempts made by some politicians to hijack their cause by making it clear that their devotion is not to individuals but to ideals.
This new force also redefined leadership and participation,they are not waiting for permission to lead but they take charge now.Influencers and first-time voters are using their platforms to educate peers about civic rights,voting and roles of elected officials.Many young Kenyans are also registering to vote in large numbers, questioning their MP’s and some considering running for offices.They say that it’s not about age or experience but impact and integrity.
Through social media and protests,the Kenyan Gen Z’s have brought about a political reckoning.Politicians have been forced to take notice.For the first time in Decades,young voices are dictating the national conversation.Their ability to shift public mood and frame political narratives has made them a group that can no longer be ignored.The pressure upon leaders has forced them to respond swiftly to the public outcries,some policies have been revised and others withdrawn,for instance in the 2024 financial bill, following the Gen Z led campaigns.
These Gen Z protests has raised awareness not only Nationwide but also globally.For this reason politicians have began to adopt more transparent communicative strategies, emphasize the concerns of the youth in policy making and adopt innovative ways of governance.The collective energy and facilitation brought foward redefinition in political participation in Kenya, paving way for an equitable and more responsive political landscape.Their continuous activism will play a critical role in shaping governance dynamics in Kenya .
Gen Z in Kenya isn’t just the future,they are also the driving forces today.As they continue to rise,one thing is certain:Kenyan Politics will never be the same.
