Why Kenya’s Gen Z Is Becoming a Movement Too Powerful to Ignore

Something is happening in Kenya, and it’s impossible not to notice. A generation once thought to be obsessed with TikTok dances and memes is now leading one of the most significant civic movements we’ve seen in recent years. As a millennial observing all this unfold, here are 10 key reasons why Gen Z in Kenya is becoming a force no one can afford to ignore:

1. They’re Leaderless — and That’s Their Strength

While some voices may rise to the forefront during protests, this movement has no single face or spokesperson. It isn’t dependent on one person, and that makes it incredibly resilient. In the past, leaders could be identified and brought in for negotiations, sometimes even silenced. But Gen Z has made it nearly impossible to single out one leader. They are decentralized, fluid, and more united because of it.

2. They’re Tribeless — and Proud of It

Gone are the days when tribal lines could be used to divide Kenyans. On platforms like X and TikTok, people jokingly claim they’re “all Kikuyu” , not as a political statement but as a way to mock and reject tribal politics. It’s a satire that unifies. Gen Z protests aren’t centralized in one region or dominated by one ethnicity, they’re happening everywhere. No tribe is in charge, and no tribe is the enemy.

3. They’re Fearless

As millennials, many of us grew up in homes where it was dangerous to even whisper anything critical about the government, even in private. That fear was deeply ingrained in us. But Gen Z grew up in a more vocal era. They’ve seen people speak out online and on media platforms. The result? They’re bold. They speak their minds. Fear doesn’t hold them back the way it held previous generations.

4. They Have Multiple Grievances

This isn’t just about one bill or one bad policy. It’s about justice for fallen youth, corruption, unemployment, over-taxation, lack of opportunity, and so much more. Each person protesting may carry a unique burden, which means one policy fix won’t silence the movement. It’s layered. Deep. And rooted in real pain.

5. They’re Desperate — and Desperation is Fueling Courage

It’s heartbreaking to see young people sharing their eulogies online before heading out to protest. One young woman said on live TV, “I have nothing to lose but my difficult life.” That kind of brokenness is powerful. Many don’t have dependents, and those who do still show up, not out of recklessness, but because the pain of staying silent is worse than the risk of speaking up.

6. They’ve Discovered the Power of Numbers

On that unforgettable day in late June 2024, masses of young people marched to Parliament unarmed, simply relying on their numbers. It sparked the phrase #SiriNiNumbers. They’ve realized that coordinated action, whether it’s flooding call lines, retweeting hashtags, or taking to the streets, gives them undeniable power.

7. They’ve Mastered the Power of Their Phones

We no longer rely on the 7 PM news to know what’s happening in Kenya. Gen Z documents events in real time. Videos are shared instantly, often reaching the public before media houses even pick them up. And the internet doesn’t forget, archived videos from the past are now used to highlight contradictions or hold leaders accountable. Information is flowing, and nothing can stay hidden for long.

8. They’re Educated and Digitally Savvy

Thanks to free and compulsory education, many Gen Zs are literate, articulate, and research-driven. They’re hard to mislead with propaganda. They analyze, fact-check, and creatively communicate their messages, often using digital tools like AI, memes, videos, and even satire to make their point.

9. They Have Silent Support from Older Generations

Though this is dubbed a Gen Z movement, many millennials are quietly or openly standing with them. The same millennials who once feared speaking out now find strength in this younger generation. Parents may not protest, but they don’t stop their children either, and that silent permission is powerful. It says, “We see you. We may not have done it, but we believe in what you’re doing.”

10. They’re Persistent

The protests didn’t end after one round. Even after months of silence, the movement reignited with renewed energy. And even when they’re not on the streets, Gen Z continues pushing their messages online, through art, music, videos, and conversation. They’re not giving up, and that persistence is what makes them impossible to silence.

Final Thoughts

This is just my observation as someone watching this movement with both awe and admiration. Kenya’s Gen Z is not just a demographic, they’ve become a movement. Leaderless, fearless, tribeless, and driven, they’re reshaping how civic action looks in this country.

They may be young, but they’ve shown the world that no one is too small to make a difference, especially when you show up, speak up, and stand together.

“This is a personal reflection, not a call to action. I believe in peaceful dialogue, democratic expression, and the right of every generation to speak up respectfully for what they believe in.”