By : IMMANUELA BURUTI
In Kenya, there has been a continued wave of civic awakening experienced in recent years especially through the voice of the Generation Z (Gen Z). This generation has proved to be a powerful political and social entity that is young, computer literate, and socially responsible. Their demonstrations and cyber campaigns have generated critical discussions all over the nation not only on the subject of governance, but also the youth potentiality in shaping the future of the country. Gen Z uprise could not be described merely as revolt against economic provisions, but rather a need to be heard, to be noticed and to be more involved in leadership.
One of the most striking manifestations of the Gen Z power was held in June 2025 when the youth organised against the problems of corruption, police brutality, and unemployment. The protests attracted both the national and international media with much more focus after the death of the activist Albert Ojwang in Nairobi which had occurred in a tragic manner. His death turned into the call to justice and change.
Using sites like TikTok, X (previously Twitter) and Instagram, young Kenyans were able to spread their message without going through the traditional media channels thereby making sure that their grievances were heard by both the local and international audiences. There were various grievances Gen Zs had and they all related. They cried foul over the corruption that is rife draining funds supposed to be used in development projects.
Gen Zs protesting in June 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya (Photo: BBC News, 2025).
They sought justice regarding the issue of police brutality, reminding of similar tragedies that happened in the past like the incident concerning the killings of student protestors in 2017 in
Kisumu. They mentioned the issue of systemic unemployment where recent graduates only find few job opportunities and that government leaders detach themselves with what they go through.They were also concerned about the climate changes and environmental degradation and the youth climate activists had demanded that policies should be based on sustainability.
The significance of including Gen Z in the decision-making can hardly be emphasized. To begin with, they constitute the biggest group of people in the country since about 70 percent of the population of Kenya is below the age of 35. The way they are locked out of leadership frustrates the youths to contribute the energy, creativity, and innovativeness that comes with youthfulness.
There is no question of bringing them on board out of goodwill but of indispensability as their role is directly influenced by current policies that would affect them tomorrow.
Secondly, digital mobilization capabilities of Gen Z can be turned into a strategic asset of governance. Digital inclusion and the adoption of e-governance among governments across the globe are taking place and Kenya needs to ensure that these changes are embedded by involving the youth in their policymaking decisions that focus on the use of technology. Their technological literacy plays an essential role in misinformation resistance, better civic education, and accountability of the leaders.
Third, Gen Z has new insights regarding issues like climate change, gender equality, and mental health, topics that the older generation in leadership divides have not engaged much. Their activism demonstrates that they are willing to protest the state of the affairs; their solutions are based on innovativeness and inclusivity. Take the example of child inspired movements like the Green Generation Initiative, which is headed by Elizabeth Wathuti and how young leaders can spearhead action on climate as well as creating awareness among the
young people to pursue sustainable development.The government and the society also need to take a purposeful planning in order to incorporate Gen Z in decision-making. To start with, I think that it is important to have formal youth councils with a legislative influence both at county and national level. Not only would these councils give expression to the voices of young people, but would institutionalize their role in policymaking.
Finally, to generate trust, it is important to involve the Gen Z in the process of governance. The disappointment that was evident in the demonstrations revealed that a lot of youth are not connected to political systems. Involving them in decision-making processes will win back the trust of the people in a democratic system, minimize apathy and direct the enthusiasm of the youth into positive nation-building.
To sum-up, the Gen Z uprising served as an eye opener to the nation. It not only showed the frustrations of the younger generation but also how great they were in changing the society. The government should understand that it cannot implement sustainable development without involving this group actively. Through involving Gen Z in the partnership of decisions and leadership, the Kenya will advance a more inclusive, innovative and resilient future.