Gen Z: A New Challenge for the Kenyan Government

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The government must stop underestimating the intelligence of the Kenyan populace, particularly that of Gen Z, its latest challenge.
While I understand that adapting can be difficult for a 61-year-old institution, the government’s attempts to co-opt the Gen Z movement have been misguided and desperate.
Gen Z presents a new challenge compared to previous generations that Kenyan governments have interacted with since 1963.
This youth movement has demonstrated an ability to resist bribery, coercion, and compromise, leaving government officials bewildered.
The state is accustomed to dealing with opportunistic political figures, typically motivated by self-interest. Such individuals can often be swayed, leading the government to believe that any negotiation ultimately comes down to a price.
However, when faced with Gen Z protesters, the government appears stumped. From the President on down, officials are likely perplexed by the ability of Gen Z to remain detached from these usual temptations.
They find it frustrating that genuine Gen Z activists are not swayed by easy money or the allure of power, which could potentially elevate them politically.
This disconnect likely stems from the fact that many government officials, who rose through these same channels, cannot fathom that some individuals prioritize ideals over wealth and influence. Not everyone aspires to “get rich or die trying.”
This misunderstanding has likely prompted some associates of prominent politicians in President Ruto’s government to emerge in a feeble attempt to present themselves as “youth leaders,” ready to negotiate on behalf of Gen Z.
This group, calling itself the Inter-Party Youth Forum Leadership (IYFL), appeared unexpectedly, claiming it aimed “to guide Gen Z in engaging in constructive dialogue with President Ruto on youth issues.”
Initially, their emergence reminded me of the notorious Youth for Kanu 1992, or YK’92, which surfaced during the early 1992 multiparty politics era under President Moi.
My instincts were confirmed when, shortly after the IYFL’s launch, Twitter sleuths began to investigate. Although it’s now called X, I’ll stick with Twitter for clarity.
It didn’t take long for these sleuths to identify the IYFL members, revealing their connections to top government officials through various evidence.
Meanwhile, the government reportedly issued instructions that seemed designed to appeal to these YK’92 imitators. The message directed youth, civil society, and religious groups to nominate members for a National Steering Committee to address youth issues.
These individuals and their allies in government, especially those with ties to YK’92, appear to believe they can replicate the past and that the IYFL can become a modern-day version of YK’92.
They likely hope to reap the political benefits that their predecessors enjoyed.
Fortunately, Gen Z protesters seem unperturbed by these political opportunists who shift with the changing winds.
Those of us who remember the 1992 elections recall how President Moi utilized YK’92 for personal and party campaigns and the disastrous economic consequences linked to the group’s involvement in various scandals.