How Social Media is Reshaping Democracy in Kenya

Kenya's youth are making their voices heard loud and clear. Forget the typical forms of protests on the streets with dusty placards and megaphones, but on the digital streets of social media. Kenya's youth demographic described as Gen Zs are wielding a different kind of weapon in their fight for democracy: smartphones. The rapid rise of digital access and the dominance of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram are fundamentally changing how Kenyans engage with their government and demand accountability.

This digital revolution is on full display as Gen Z takes center stage, harnessing the power of social media to challenge the status quo. The recent protest against the Finance Bill 2024 serve as a prime example.

Unlike traditional media, with its potential biases, social media empowers Gen Z to be their own broadcasters. Hashtags like #RejectTheBill trended, viral videos exposed the bill's flaws, and compelling narratives on Instagram resonated with millions. This "democratization of communication" ensures their voices are heard loud and clear. The youth were also translating parts of the controversial bill into their local dialects intended to inform their parents and older generations who were not as informed about the bill due to its English language. They recorded themselves explaining the bill in short bit sized videos and posting it on their accounts.

They also leverage AI by creating a chatbot called "Finance Bill GPT" specifically designed to explain the intricacies of the 2024 Finance Bill. This chatbot, leveraging the capabilities of ChatGPT, aimed to answer questions from the public in a clear and accessible way. By training the chatbot on the bill itself and relevant news articles, AI has been used to offer Kenyans a user-friendly tool to understand the legislation and its potential impacts. This innovative use of AI demonstrates the potential for chatbots to bridge the gap between complex legal documents and public comprehension.

Organizing protests also got a digital upgrade. Platforms like X and Instagram facilitated rapid coordination, spreading information from protest locations to safety protocols. This digital mobilization was evident in the massive turnout against the Financial Bill, a testament to the power of online organizing.

The immediacy and transparency of social media is making it difficult for Kenyan authorities to operate in the shadows. Gen Zs are using these platforms to hold a magnifying glass to government actions, exposing corruption, inefficiencies, and unjust policies through hashtag campaigns and viral content. This online pressure compelled the government to respond and be more accountable and the Kenyan president finally assented to removing the bill altogether.

However, while the digital age empowers, it also presents dangers. Misinformation and "fake news" can spread like wildfire, fueling confusion and potentially inciting violence. Social media algorithms can also create "echo chambers," where users are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This polarization hinders constructive dialogue and the formation of broad coalitions needed for lasting change.

Governments, too, are playing catch-up, employing digital surveillance to monitor and potentially repress dissent. Activists in Kenya face online harassment and the risk of their digital footprints being used to track and silence them.

The fight for a more democratic Kenya can't be confined to the online sphere. A significant digital divide exists, leaving marginalized communities without the resources to participate in this digital activism. This can skew public sentiment and underrepresent certain groups.

To fully harness the potential of digital tools, proactive solutions are needed. Digital literacy programs can equip citizens to discern truth from fiction. Legal frameworks and ethical guidelines can protect activists and ensure responsible online behavior. Most importantly, efforts to bridge the digital divide must be intensified, ensuring everyone has a seat at the digital table.

Kenya's Gen Z has shown the world the transformative power of social media. By addressing the challenges and dangers that come with this power, we can create a digital landscape that empowers citizens, fosters transparency, and ultimately leads to a more accountable governments around the globe.

By Daniel Kibet

Digital Innovations Analyst