NAIROBI, Kenya- As Kenya braces for another massive protest on Thursday against the controversial Financial Bill 2024, a new force is driving the movement: Gen Z.
With Members of Parliament set to cast their votes on the bill, the streets are expected to be filled with young Kenyans who have turned to social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to rally support and mobilize.
In recent days, TikTok and X have become the epicenters of recruitment and mobilization, not by seasoned politicians, but by the youth who are now the new faces of defiance and the clamour for justice.
These platforms, known for their viral content and wide reach, have proven to be powerful tools in organizing protests and amplifying the voices of the younger generation.
“We’re tired of being ignored,” says 21-year-old Sarah Wangui.
“TikTok and X have given us a voice and a way to connect with others who feel the same way. We’re not going to back down until real change happens.”
The Financial Bill 2024 has sparked widespread discontent, particularly among the youth, who feel the proposed measures are punitive and do not address their needs.
Despite the government axing some contentious areas, the concessions have not been enough to quell the unrest.
The youth are demanding more significant changes and transparency in how the bill will impact their future.
TikTok, with its short-form videos and trending challenges, has become a platform for young activists to share their messages creatively and reach a broad audience.
Videos with hashtags like #RejectTheBill and #OccupyParliament have gone viral, with users posting clips of themselves explaining the bill’s impact, encouraging others to join the protests, and documenting previous demonstrations.
On X, the conversation is equally vibrant. Hashtags such as #FinancialBill2024 and #OccupyParliament are trending, with young Kenyans using the platform to organize logistics, share information, and provide real-time updates during protests.
The immediacy and reach of X have made it an invaluable tool for mobilization and coordination.
“The power of social media cannot be underestimated,” says 23-year-old digital strategist Kevin Odhiambo.
“We’re using these platforms to educate, mobilize, and unify. It’s incredible to see how quickly information spreads and how many people we can reach.”
Observers say the youth-led movement marks a significant shift in Kenyan politics, where traditionally, older politicians have dominated the landscape.
The emergence of Gen Z as a potent political force signals a new era of activism driven by technology and social media, others have said.
“The youth are more awake and aware than ever before,” notes political analyst Grace Wanjiru. “They’re using the tools available to them to effect change, and it’s a powerful message to those in power.”
As the nation awaits the outcome of the parliamentary vote, one thing is clear: the battleground has been expanded to social media, where anti-riot police officers cannot manhandle or teargas anyone.
With TikTok and X as their battlegrounds, Gen Z is leading the charge for accountability.
