The Rise of Gen Z in Kenya: A Beacon for African Youth to Assert Their Rights
In recent months, Kenya’s youth, particularly Generation Z, have been making their voices heard. Defined by Wikipedia as those born from the mid-90s to the late 2010s, this demographic has emerged as a powerful force, demonstrating that the power of the people transcends political power. This awakening serves as a shining example for African youth, highlighting the impact of collective action in demanding accountability and justice from political leaders.
Kenya’s Gen Z has shown that political leaders, placed in office by the people, must be accountable to them. This principle, often overshadowed by the misuse of power, has been revived by the youth’s assertive actions. The idea that leaders must fulfill the will of the people is no longer just an ideal; it has become a demand backed by action.
I. Square Pegs in Round Holes: Underdevelopment Due to Unqualified Political Appointees
A significant factor contributing to the current discontent is the practice of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions based on political loyalty rather than merit. This trend, common in Kenya and other African countries, results in inefficiency and stagnation. Despite the continent’s vast resources, many nations remain underdeveloped due to mismanagement and the placement of unqualified individuals in critical roles.
- Disregard for the Population: Economic Hardships Fuel Discontent
Kenya, like many African countries, faces severe economic challenges. Unemployment and underemployment remain rampant, particularly among the youth, leading to widespread disillusionment. Many young demonstrators likely voted for President William Ruto, hoping for improvements in their living conditions. However, harsh economic realities have revealed a disconnect between the government’s promises and the lived experiences of its citizens. Leaders often prioritize their interests over the needs of the populace, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.
- Corruption, Political Patronage, and Misgovernance
Corruption continues to undermine public trust in government institutions. The youth protests are a call to end the culture of impunity that allows corrupt officials to thrive while ordinary citizens suffer. The protests have also highlighted the pervasive issue of misgovernance. Demonstrators are not just opposing the tax hikes but are also campaigning against a system that has long failed them. The resignation of a cabinet secretary who confessed to taking bribes and promised restitution underscores the need for genuine reform.
- Opulence, Bourgeois Lifestyle, and State Capture
The hijacking of state institutions for personal gain undermines democracy and development. Political elites live in luxury, starkly contrasting the poverty faced by the majority. This disparity fuels anger and frustration, with leaders enjoying substantial allowances and benefits while basic services like healthcare and education remain underfunded. Afterall, they enjoy first class healthcare in developed countries and their kids benefit from well-established schools abroad. The transactional nature of political campaigns, where leaders seek to secure votes through superficial engagement rather than genuine dialogue, further exacerbates the issue.
V. Foisting Ignorance
Politicians in many African countries often rely on the ignorance of the electorate to maintain power. By controlling information and education, they create a populace that is easier to manipulate through misinformation and short-term incentives. This ignorance is a deliberate strategy to ensure that critical questions about governance, accountability, and policy are not raised. The critical mass of the youth in Africa are victims of political manipulation and vote-buying, with many young Africans aware of how ignorance is used to maintain the status quo.
Learning from Kenya’s Youth: A Call for Action Across Africa
Kenya’s youth are not silent. They are actively engaging in protests, using social media to amplify their voices, and holding leaders accountable. This proactive stance is a blueprint for other African youth. By refusing to accept the status quo, they are challenging corruption, demanding transparency, and striving for a better future.
The conditions in Kenya are not unique; many African countries face similar issues of economic hardship, corruption, and ineffective governance. This raises the question: will the youth-led action in Kenya be replicated across the continent? The growing discontent and the example set by Kenyan youth could inspire similar movements in other nations, potentially leading to a wave of change driven by the younger generation.
Empowering Citizens: A Path to Development
If African citizens become more aware of their rights and actively participate in governance, the continent’s development trajectory could change dramatically. Empowered citizens can hold leaders accountable, demand transparency, and ensure that public resources are used effectively.
Logical Approach for Visionary African Countries
To avoid replicating the issues seen in Kenya, visionary African leaders should consider the following approaches:
- Invest in Civic and Functional Education as well as Greenfield Entrepreneurial Support
Provide comprehensive education to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities. Promote knowledge-based education that creates self-employed individuals. Transparently managed start-up capital funds and encouragement of angel investors can help address unemployment.
- Promote Transparency and Accountability
Implement robust mechanisms for transparency and accountability in government operations. Strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure their independent oversight.
- Encourage Active Citizenship
Foster a culture of active citizenship where individuals are encouraged to participate in governance processes, from local community meetings to national elections.
- Implement Economic Reforms
Address economic inequalities through policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable distribution of resources. Engage local think tanks to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s specific challenges. The Bretton Woods Institutions have tried enormously to think for us. Now is the time to utilize the intellectual capacities and resources to dig out solutions.
- Leverage Technology
Use technology to enhance transparency and civic engagement. Digital platforms can provide citizens with information, facilitate communication with leaders, and enable more efficient service delivery.
- Modern Agriculture Development and Agribusiness promotion
Invest in efficient Agriculture where best practices abounds. Brazil, Israel and even war toned Ukraine have shown that hunger is a choice if you employ modern Agriculture. No one is reinventing the wheel in our context today, when there is one in the next shop.
The actions of Kenya’s Gen Z are a powerful reminder that the youth hold the key to Africa’s future. By asserting their rights, they set a precedent for others to follow. The path to development and justice in Africa lies in the hands of its youth, who must continue to rise, demand accountability, and ensure that political leaders serve the people. As the movement grows, so does the hope for a better, more equitable Africa. The protests against the $2.7 billion tax hikes in Kenya are a remarkable act of courage by the youth, reflecting a deep-seated demand for change. The actions of Kenyan youth serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for collective action to drive systemic change, not just in Kenya, but across the African continent.
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