The GenZ Revolution: Kenya’s New Wave of Peaceful Protest
Nadia Ahmed Abdalla
Impact-Driven Leader | African Youth & Women Advocate | Author | Public Speaker | Digital Transformation Enthusiast
If you had told me in my early 30s that I would one day be on the streets participating in a protest led by GenZ (ages 18-27), I would have never believed you and would have called it a bluff. But guess what? That was exactly what happened on June 20, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. We marched from the town central building to our parliament road, and the experience was nothing short of transformative.
The Context of the Protest
To understand why I found myself on the streets alongside GenZ, let's delve into the background. Kenya is on the verge of passing the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, a legislative proposal typically debated by our Members of Parliament (MPs), then approved by the house before the President signs it into law. This year's Finance Bill, however, is nothing short of absurd. It contains provisions that seem to test the waters of citizen tolerance, proposing measures that would make life unbearably difficult and unjust for the average Kenyan.
The Catalyst for Change
One crucial aspect that African governments, including ours, often overlook is the awareness and education level of today's generation. The current generation is digitally savvy, confident, and unafraid of potential repercussions. Unlike millennials, who were often cautious and submissive due to the fears instilled by their parents, GenZ is bold and unyielding. They have seen the struggles of millennials, from job scarcity to economic instability, and they have decided to take a stand.
The Power of Digital Mobilization
GenZ understands the power of information and digital platforms. In Kenya, they utilized TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (now X) to mobilize and coordinate a peaceful protest. This level of organization and digital advocacy is unprecedented. Yet, the government failed to grasp the meaning of a "peaceful" protest. Instead, they focused on the word "protest" and responded with tear gas, water cannons, and mounted police.
My Experience and Reflection
As a millennial and an advocate for youth and women on a Pan-African front, I was appalled and ashamed by the government's response to the peaceful protest on June 18, 2024. I couldn't stay at home knowing a peaceful protest was happening nearby. The protest revealed a stark disconnect between the government and its young citizens. The police's aggressive response, involving tear gas, horse-mounted officers, and chemically-laced water cannons, targeted a demographic equivalent to their own children and relatives.
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Despite the harsh response, the resilience and determination of the young protesters were evident. They picked up tear gas canisters with their bare hands, used tennis rackets to send them back, and even played football with them. Their boldness was remarkable, and they chanted, "We have nothing to lose," signaling their unwavering resolve.
The Impact and Future Implications
Content from the protest rapidly spread online under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, reaching over two million views on X. The global hacker group Anonymous even issued a stern warning to the Kenyan government and MPs. Despite mockery from some MPs, the GenZ protest demonstrated their capability to influence and mobilize without political backing or substantial resources.
Conclusion: A Call for Respect and Inclusion
The median age in Kenya, and across Africa, is 19.9 years, highlighting the importance of respecting and including young people in decision-making processes. The GenZ generation is not only demanding a seat at the table but is also proving they can create one if necessary. Their digital advocacy and fearless stance are changing the traditional dynamics in Africa, and it’s high time everyone pays attention.
Kenyan GenZ are drawing a roadmap for activism, and as they mobilise across Africa, it becomes clear why viewing young people as mere rubber stamps is a grave mistake. Respect them, listen to them, and acknowledge their power to bring about change. This generation is rewriting the rules and holding governments accountable, signaling a digital revolution that is here to stay.
Nadia,the reason for it's unlikely success is that a majority of the so-called Gen-Zs are oblivious to "The Cause."They are not to be blamed,however!The blame lies squarely on Kenya's societal-stratification based on tribe and region: Remember the "shareholding" narrative?
Empowering Teams, Energizing Results:
5 个月From my point of view we should or the generation Z should not demonstrate against the executive but all blaims should go to the parliament,from 2013 parliament has become a rubber stamp of executive,they forgot their work of oversighting the executive and representing the mwananchi and they are doing the opposite,that is oversighting the mwananchi on behalf of executive and representing the executive to mwananchi the push should be to dissolve the parliament.
Curator at Acad.interfaith Kenya-Swiss-Turk Curatorium UN Civil Society Africa
5 个月Kenya on the way from Cleptocracy to Democracy not by the Diplomats and Polit Power Players - by the GenZ remember the ARAB SPRING
Chief Security Officer
5 个月The President's inner circle, particularly those entrusted with national security, bear the weighty responsibility of presenting an unvarnished assessment of the prevailing circumstances. It would be a grave miscalculation to underestimate the potency of Generation Z, unless we are fully prepared to navigate the potentially turbulent consequences that could arise from their discontent.
What if I told you that I could: 1.) Elevate your Youth Sports Coaching Career to new heights... 2.) Work with you to IMPROVE on your Sporting Organizations blind spots... Would you be interested?
5 个月The statement "NAJIHURUMIA KUWA MKENYA" has finally left the station...!!! The GenZ Revolution is proof of that.