Generation Z Are Capable Of Transforming Kenya’s Social Economic Development, Invest In Them!

Gen Z are revolutionizing Kenya’s social economic and political landscape. While young people below the age of 35 comprise of 75% of Kenya’s population (KNBS, 2019), they are known for their disinterest in political matters. The brave move by Gen Z to mobilize nationwide protest against the oppressive finance bill of 2024 showcases the power of young people in transforming a country’s social and economic development.

Unemployment is a major crisis in the country, when leaders decide to tax unemployed populations instead of making favorable policy environment for livelihoods, they are being disloyal to Kenyans who trusted and voted for them.  The brave move by Gen Z has challenged other generations making the government to withdraw the oppressive bill. This should be a test to invest in this population, as they can contribute to the countries workforce.

The United Nation(AU), Agenda 2063 places African youth at the center of development. For Kenya to achieve its goals for Vision 2030 contributing to both the AU Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals, the country must listen to the voices of young people and invest in their education and health including sexual reproductive health. This is capitalizing on the Kenya’s demographic dividend; healthy. educated young people when supported with employment opportunities can transform the economy; while uneducated young people with poor health outcomes contribute to poverty.

One of the most common fallacy is that young people are not accountable. By self-organizing a protest, young people have proven to be accountable. There is need for stakeholders including civil society organizations to invest in the capacities of young through training, exposure and mentorship, this will go along in supporting their activism yielding more harvest, as then efforts will be more coordinated. This will also nurture youth leadership. In addition to this funders and philanthropists should trust and fund the leadership of Gen Z focusing on their unique needs; during the protest, one of the challenges observed was limited resources.

Gen Z, Millennials and future generations are a bridge for decolonization. Acknowledging the social injustices and atrocities committed to Citizens by leaders since the era of the late president, Moi; the move by the youth is an attempt to decolonize mindsets challenging courage and bravery. The youth have shown an interest in the economic, social and politics of the country, they know their civic right and are patriotic to the country. Mistakes done in the past including voting in bad leaders should not happen again.

For the longest time, the youth have been used by politicians to instigate violence; the move by the youth of the country to lead change has been the most awaited moment, it is evident that Kenyan youth are becoming more aware of their power and they are using their skills, knowledge and digital technologies to challenge injustices. Adults and communities must offer young people support and protection to ensure that they achieve their aspirations and dreams; this way, Kenya will harness from its demographic dividend.

Ritah Anindo Obonyo is the co-founder and Executive Director, Community Voices Network