Kenya’s Generation Z has leveraged on the power of digital platforms to take on bad governance, shaping a new form of activism that is dynamic, impactful, and far-reaching.
This generational shift towards digital activism marks a departure from traditional forms of protest and advocacy, embedding itself deeply within the digital landscapes that Gen Z navigates with ease.
Dr. Fred Ogola, Founder of Linda Ugatuzi term the new wave of digital activism as a new era in activism in Africa.
“For a very long time, the Kenyan police and the corrupt ruling class were used to physical demonstrations which were easily thwarted by police extra-judicial killings and kidnappings. The traditional media space in Kenya were given a directive not to air street demonstrations but with the digital space, the Gen Z protesters live-streamed their clashes with officers using their smartphones. The protests were both physical and online, utilizing hashtags to update the entire country.”
He further pointed out that Gen Z has now realized that they have a huge role in ensuring the country is governed under the constitution and those in power are held accountable.
Dr Ogola, “Gen Z demonstrated a new dawn in Kenya’s history by organizing street demonstrations across the country where these demos were not affiliated to any tribe or religion. This a clear indication that the baton has been passed to a new generation.”
Kenya’s Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in an era where digital technology is omnipresent. This generation is characterized by its fluency in social media, online communication, and digital content creation. Unlike previous generations that relied on physical demonstrations, petitions, and printed media, Gen Z utilizes Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to raise awareness and mobilize peers against issues like corruption, police brutality, and electoral malpractice.
The rapid adoption of smartphones and affordable internet access has democratized information, enabling Gen Z to access and share content that highlights governance issues in real-time. Platforms like Twitter have become the frontline for hashtag-driven movements that challenge the status quo.
Victor Medza a protestor in Nairobi described the members of parliament’s decision as selfish.
“Those who voted YES are our greatest enemies and we are going to ensure that in the next general elections, they are voted out, We are not stopping at all, we want the regime to know that unless our voices are heard, nothing will stop us and we are ready to die for our country,” said Medza.
While Gen Z street protests were peaceful, the police used live bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse them from the Central Business District in Nairobi.
This resulted in more than a 100 deaths, casualties and over 1000 youth arrested, with human rights organizations expressing concern about law enforcement’s use of force and calling for an investigation into alleged violations.
Social media apps like X, TikTok and Facebook were being used to share videos of people explaining the finance bill in various Kenyan dialects.
The Gen Z group also applied the use of hacking techniques and tools that enabled them to hack into government websites, disrupting services and drawing attention to their cause.
Kenya’s 2018 Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which aims to curb online harassment and hate speech, has been criticized for stifling legitimate dissent.
The country has continued to struggle to balance the right of free speech and national security.
Gen Z during the online demonstration were able to obtain personal information, such as the phone numbers of political leaders and senior government officials.
Alex Kinuthia, an independent IT expert in Nairobi,I believe it’s time the country amend the Cybercrime Act of 2018 because it has a conflict with the Free of Speech Right which is enshrined in the constitution.
Kinuthia “Kenya’s constitution and international human rights legislation safeguard the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and picketing which would be violated by internet shutdowns and information controls. By prohibiting citizens from engaging in public conversation and holding the government responsible, they subvert democratic processes.”
Social Media as a Tool for Accountability
Social media platforms are proving to be powerful tools for holding leaders accountable. Gen Z activists use these platforms not just to voice concerns, but to demand transparency and responsiveness from government officials. Through trending hashtags, viral posts, and shared videos, young Kenyans are bringing national and international attention to governance failures that might otherwise be ignored or suppressed.
Twitter in particular has become a vital tool for political discourse in Kenya. The platform’s open nature allows for the rapid dissemination of information and the formation of online communities that can apply pressure on leaders and institutions. For example, the #OccupyStateHouse, #OccupyParliament,# LipaKamaTender hashtags, which called out government officials for embezzlement and corruption, gained significant traction as young people used it to share evidence of wrongdoing and to demand accountability.
In addition to Twitter, platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with their emphasis on visual content were used to create compelling narratives that resonate with young people. Infographics, short videos, and memes are increasingly popular methods of conveying complex political issues in an accessible and engaging manner.
This visual activism is not only informative but also appealing to a generation that consumes content quickly and visually.
The Arab Spring, a series of revolutions that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010, serves as a potent example of the mobilising power of digital activism. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter played a crucial role in organising protests and disseminating information. However, the uprisings also underscored the need for balancing national interests beyond simply expressing discontent.
Power of Online Communities in Driving Social Justice
Online communities have also played a crucial role in the mobilization and organization of digital activism in Kenya. These communities, often formed around shared interests or concerns, provide a sense of belonging and collective identity for young activists. They enable the exchange of ideas, strategies, and support, facilitating coordinated actions that extend beyond the digital space.
One notable example is the involvement of Kenyan Gen Z in the global climate change movement. Kenyan youth have used social media to connect with international activists, share local experiences of environmental degradation, and demand action from their government. This cross-border solidarity has strengthened the impact of their activism, showing that local governance issues are part of a larger global narrative.
Moreover, these online communities are not limited to political activism; they also include spaces for discussing mental health, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. By fostering open dialogue on issues that are often stigmatized in Kenyan society, these communities are challenging societal norms and pushing for progressive change.
Challenges of Digital Activism
Despite its many advantages, digital activism in Kenya is not without its challenges. One major issue is the digital divide, which limits the reach of online campaigns to those who have access to the internet and digital devices. While mobile penetration is high, there are still significant disparities in access, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is lacking.
Another challenge is the threat of cyber harassment and online censorship. Kenyan activists have faced online abuse, hacking attempts, and government surveillance, which can deter participation and stifle free expression. The government’s attempts to regulate online spaces through laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act have also raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the suppression of dissent.
Furthermore, there is the issue of sustaining momentum. Digital campaigns can quickly gain traction, but they can also fade just as fast. Maintaining public interest and pressure on government officials over time requires continuous engagement and innovative strategies to keep the conversation alive.
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