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Pitfalls Gen Z should avoid for a better Kenya
Anti-government protesters march along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on July 23, 2024.
The Gen Z movement behind the June 2024 protests did more than reject the tired notion that youth are merely “leaders of tomorrow.” It awakened a powerful faith in young people as leaders of today - voices of courage, change, and conviction. Since then, there’s been growing consensus that Gen Z holds the promise of a better Kenya, and their active participation in politics signals a critical national awakening.
Still, this enthusiasm should not blur the need for strong mentorship. Veteran leaders must step up to guide youthful voices, helping them navigate the political landscape while preserving the integrity of their ideals.
Gen Z’s digital fluency, appetite for autonomy, and commitment to inclusivity often clash with entrenched political cultures. These generational tensions, if left unaddressed, threaten the very alliances that could elevate youth leadership.
Unfortunately, public debates featuring young leaders often devolve into spectacles of division, hostility, and political posturing. Instead of offering new models of engagement, they mirror the chaos of the old guard - dominated by insults and factionalism. Some youthful legislators, emboldened by social media, have dismissed public concerns with contempt, damaging their own credibility and pushing voters back toward older, more experienced politicians.
To truly lead, young politicians must reject inherited bad habits. The culture of insults, political theatrics, and token development projects must end. A shift toward integrity, humility, and service is not optional - it’s urgent.
The “leaderless” label that once defined Gen Z protests worked as a rallying cry. But in the post-protest moment, that narrative is wearing thin. No movement can thrive without structure, accountability, and leadership. Claiming to be leaderless may suggest an inability to rise above suspicion and identify credible voices.
Abandoning it only opens the door to manipulation by cunning political elites eager to co-opt youthful energy for selfish ends.
Equally important is the need for long-term institution building among the youth. Movements that rely solely on viral energy and outrage often fizzle out. Gen Z must now think beyond hashtags and protest slogans to create sustainable platforms - youth-led parties, civic organisations, and think tanks - that can champion their agenda consistently, even in the absence of trending moments.
Finally, the values youth leaders claim to represent must not be for sale. Recent trends show too many trading ideals for political sponsorship. This “auctioning” of principle for profit weakens the promise of youth leadership and robs Kenya of a generation that could have governed differently - and better.
Dr Mwirigi is a researcher, author, and Chief Principal, Kagumo High School. [email protected]