Gen Z’s Uprising, Not Just Kenya’s Story, It’s West Africa’s Wake-Up Call

BY ISAAC ASABOR

It is no more news that the streets of Nairobi, Kenyan capital, have become a battleground for a new generation of activists. Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Kenya’s Generation Z (Gen Z) is rewriting the rules of political engagement. Their fervent activism, fueled by digital media, offers valuable lessons for other African countries.

It is expedient to note that Gen Z’s defining traits include digital fluency and a strong sense of social responsibility. They have harnessed the power of platforms like social media to organize and mobilize quickly. From TikTok to Twitter, their digital agility has been instrumental in driving change.

Innovative Gen Z activists have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to amplify their messages. AI-generated images, songs, and videos have reached wider audiences, educating them about critical issues like the controversial tax bill. Specialized GPT models even answered questions related to the finance bill, democratizing access to information.

Thus, #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024 trended across social media platforms, demonstrating the power of digital activism. Crowdfunding campaigns facilitated transportation for more protesters, swelling the crowds in Nairobi’s central business district.

Gen Z did not shy away from hacking government websites, disrupting services, and drawing attention to their cause. Leaked phone numbers of political leaders allowed protesters to flood them with SMS and WhatsApp messages.

Without a doubt, Kenya’s Gen Z uprising is not just a local phenomenon, and even if it is located in the Eastern part of the African continent, it is a blueprint for West Africa. As other countries grapple with socio-economic challenges, they can learn from Kenya’s digital-savvy activists. Gen Z has shown that the streets and screens can be powerful allies in the fight for justice.

The Kenyan Gen Z revolution is a wake-up call for West Africa, a reminder that the digital age demands new strategies, boldness, and unity. As the sun sets over Nairobi, it rises on a generation rewriting history, one tweet, one protest, and one hashtag at a time.

At this juncture, it is expedient to opine that the uprising was not unexpected as Kenya’s president, William Ruto, came to power by tapping into the grievances of young “hustlers”. He promised to bring jobs and lower the cost of living. But young Kenyans continued to struggle, triggering widespread discontent when a finance bill, increasing taxes, was tabled. Given the foregoing underlying reason for the uprising, it is not an exaggeration to note in this context that deceptive political trend is a common phenomenon among West African leaders. This is as politicians usually trick the people by making unattainable promises, and merely garnering votes from the people. Unfulfilled promises by politicians have remained a common thread across West African countries.

Given the foregoing view, it is not an exaggeration to warn that if politicians and leaders generally do not exhibit sincerity in making promises to the people the echoes of Gen Z’s uprising that were witnessed in Nairobi, Kenya, are likely set to reverberate in other West African countries. After all, did not Nigeria witness the EndSars a few years ago? The fact is that Gen Z’s demands for justice, accountability, and change have transcended borders, and are potent enough to unite a continent that is grappling with socio-economic challenges. Aptly put, one common thread that binds these movements is unarguably unfulfilled promises.

Given the foregoing, it is unarguable that Kenyan Gen Z took to the streets because they grew weary of empty assurances. This is as promises made during election campaigns, better education, affordable healthcare, and job opportunities, remained unmet. The disillusionment fueled their resolve to demand more than rhetoric.

Kenya’s experience mirrors that of other West African countries. From Lagos to Nairobi, young activists share stories of leaders who promised progress but delivered stagnation. The cycle repeats: elections, euphoria, and then the slow fade of hope as pledges remain unfulfilled.

Unfulfilled promises erode trust in institutions. When leaders fail to deliver, citizens lose faith in the democratic process. Without sounding exaggerative, Gen Z’s digital activism is a response to this betrayal, a call for transparency, accountability, and tangible results.

Given the foregoing, West Africa’s leaders must heed the lessons from Nairobi’s streets. Promises alone would not suffice; action matters. Tangible improvements in education, healthcare, and employment are the currency of trust. Gen Z’s uprising is not just Kenya’s story; it’s Africa’s wake-up call.

As the digital torchbearers of change, Gen Z reminds us that words without deeds are hollow. Let their voices echo across the savannah, inspiring a continent to demand more, not just promises, but progress.