During our Tuesday’s Coffee Bar Session which was held at the MuYI hub, we had 23 participants two of whom were females and 21 males. We discussed the role of Gen Z in the current governance system. Most of the people in the dialogue were Gen Z which spiced up the conversation having only 5 Millennials.

Gen Z are individuals that were born between 1997-2012 millennials were born between 1981 and 1996. For the past three weeks, Kenya has been on a roller coaster of emotions from the Gen Z rejecting the finance Bill, to its being withdrawn by the president and to the current campaign of the Gen Z wanting the president to resign.

“It’s high time the youths take control of what is going on in the parliament since the government is oppressing the people who put them in power,” one participant said.

Gen z perspective on what sparked the ongoing protest?

Most young people argued that the president has put people through so many lies and that he speaks with pride. Circulation of the fake fertilizer –the government has been giving farmers fake fertilizer at a cheaper price whilst lying to them that it is quality fertilizer. The finance bill played a big role in the protest since people realized it is a form of oppression and it had hidden agendas for the increase in the price of basic commodities such as diapers and bread.

 Enough is enough since the finance Bill was rejected and withdrawn by the president there are cases of abduction and merciless deaths of young people who are being shot by the police in peaceful demonstrations.

Revolution started during the rise of gengetone when music was used to express oneself openly without fear of topics of sex which was against the norm.

Faruk Kibet sparked people’s minds when he once said that most young people are keyboard warriors and that they don’t take action on what they say which led the young people to take action and go out in the streets to protest.

The Finance Bill –taxing of our own inherited lands made people angry

Most graduates lack job opportunities with the president’s campaign of Finya computer Pata dollar.

Most Gen z are learned people who can understand details in the finance bill and have a voice in rejecting what they do not want unlike our parents who are used to oppression and do nothing about it.

Most Gen Z are not tribal like how their parents used to be their main aim is pushing for good representation in the local and national government.

“Our parents are not in agreement with the current government but worry that they have bills that they need to pay, they have to put food on the table and we cannot protest together with them since who will bail the other one out in case we are all arrested? “One participant asked

Gen Z does not do a lot of calculations before stepping on the streets since they are still very young and are brave in whatever circumstances they might face.

Access to information As a result of increased media literacy, young Kenyans are more equipped to engage in informed political debate, fight misinformation, and critically examine information.

The differences in social media platforms –most Gen Z use TikTok to source information and for entertainment while Millennials use X formally known as Twitter. Most Gen Z want to be seen while the Millennials remain faceless on Twitter.

People want accountability –overseeing the government since the government cannot even audit the expenditure of the budget money. Most government officials are spending the money on luxuries such as buying expensive watches, belts, and shoes the same money can be used

People are tired of dealing with insensitive leaders who do not care about the nation only for their gain.

Our parents did not have access to information and were unable to connect how the government officials were looting money for development which affects how we pay our taxes.

Impacts that Gen Z have on the current government

The young people no longer let politicians lie to them on the church alters during fundraising.

The youths have unsuspended the constitution hence the government feels like the power belongs to the people, not them.

Gen Z can make proper decisions the only challenge they have is that they don’t have representatives since they are leaderless

Generation Z has made many people to be patriotic to their country without fear.

We should come together as one and encourage one another to remain peaceful

They are stopping looters and rioting demonstrators.

In conclusion, Kenya’s Generation Z is becoming a dynamic force in the political system, influencing policies and bringing about change through activism, political involvement, and innovation. Their distinct viewpoints and technological expertise are influencing how the nation will govern itself in the future.