THE RISE OF GENERATION Z IN KENYA.

The Kenyan sun beat down on the bustling streets of Nairobi, but the heat wasn’t just from the weather. A new fire was igniting, fueled by the frustrations of a generation: Generation Z. They had grown up in a Kenya of broken promises, corruption, and economic hardship, and they were done.

The spark that lit the flame was a seemingly small issue a proposed tax hike on essential goods. But it was the match that ignited a powder keg of discontent. Young Kenyans, armed with smartphones and social media savvy, organized online. Hashtags like #REJECT and #RUTO MUST GO trended, amplifying their voices and mobilizing their peers.

The protests started small, with students and young professionals marching in the streets. But the movement quickly gained momentum. Artists, musicians, and influencers joined the cause, using their platforms to spread awareness and galvanize support. The government, initially dismissive, soon found itself facing a formidable opponent.

Conducting their meetings on social media platforms, it was easier for information to spread as fast as wild fire among the young generations. Consequently, it was the most secretive way to exclude the other populations from being part of their initiatives. The most platform that they used was X formerly called Twitter, telegram and also Instagram.

“What could have triggered this action of this generation?” what had made them so aggressive was what seemed a misery among other Kenyans, but this did not come out from just the finance bill, it all started from the literature that generation Z were fed during their high school education. The set books like (kigogo, Tumbo lisiloshiba, Chozi la Heri) among other set books, which talked of poor governance had already equipped this generation with the foundation of how those in power undermine their citizens. This aggravated the generation Z towards making a change.

Their protests made the president to dissolve his cabinet as one of the generation Z’s demands. The finance bill was also modified to a fair state for the sake of the people of Kenya.

The Gen Z movement in Kenya was a testament to the power of a generation that refused to be silenced, many were killed during the protests but this not only took the attention of other Kenyans, but also triggered them towards trying to impeach the president and his high cost of living regime.

It was a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering belief in a better future. The fight was far from over, but the rise of Gen Z had already changed the political landscape, and Kenya would never be the same.

By: BONFACE SISO.

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.