THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Kenya has found itself at a crossroad

In recent months, Kenya has found itself at a crossroads, as waves of Gen Z protests, youth activism, and political upheavals reshape the national landscape. This movement is not just noise; it’s a bold demand for change by a generation frustrated with broken promises, systemic corruption, and entrenched inequalities. These protests did not emerge overnight—they reflect years of pent-up frustration with economic exclusion, joblessness, and marginalization. Although the youth (ages 15-34) make up nearly 70% of Kenya’s population, they face staggering unemployment rates of 67%, far higher than the national average of 12.7%. Year after year, over a million young people enter the labor market, most without access to the necessary skills or opportunities. Meanwhile, the underrepresentation of youth in leadership positions underscores a political system reluctant to embrace change. Even platforms like the youth council have fallen short of ensuring meaningful political engagement. The recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has only heightened frustrations, with many seeing it as another example of power games taking priority over the needs of everyday citizens.

I have seen firsthand the hunger for transformation

This generation is disillusioned with recycled leadership—the same faces, the same promises, and the same cycles of disappointment. But their protests represent more than anger; they mark a shift in civic engagement. Gen Z isn’t waiting for change to trickle down from those in power. Instead, they are stepping forward, demanding a seat at the table and a chance to shape the country’s future. What makes this movement unique is its rejection of traditional hierarchies. Leadership now revolves around ideas, not individuals; processes, not personalities. It is a leaderless movement, powered by principles, where the collective will matter more than any one figure.

Through my work at Inuka Leadership Africa, I have seen firsthand the hunger for transformation—not only in Kenya but across the continent. There is a new wave of young people who are tired of rhetoric. They want real solutions. I often hear one phrase from these young changemakers: “We need leaders who listen, not just politicians who talk.” It is this sense of urgency that drives them to the streets and into digital spaces, where they disrupt the status quo and demand accountability.

Leaders who fail to adapt risk being swept aside in a world where transparency is no longer optional

Unlike past movements, Gen Z has mastered the digital space as a tool for social change. Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram have become their battlegrounds, where grievances are aired, and leaders are held accountable in real time. With humor, satire, and citizen journalism, young Kenyans break down complex issues into digestible content that resonates across generations. Viral threads expose corruption, while TikTok videos translate government policies into relatable terms. Even the finance bill—traditionally inaccessible—was dissected and shared in multiple languages, ensuring that no one is left behind. These platforms have shifted the balance of power between citizens and the political class. In the past, leaders could hide behind controlled media.

Today, hashtags like #LowerFuelPrices and #RejectFinanceBill force politicians to address issues head-on. Public scrutiny is constant, and accountability is becoming the norm. Leaders who fail to adapt risk being swept aside in a world where transparency is no longer optional. The movement in Kenya is part of a broader wave of youth-led activism across Africa. We saw it in Nigeria with the #EndSARS protests against police brutality and in South Africa with the Fees Must Fall movement that called for fairer education policies. These movements transcend borders, with young people in the diaspora playing key roles in organizing protests, raising funds, and amplifying voices from back home. Kenyan youth abroad have held demonstrations in cities like London, Washington D.C., and Toronto, highlighting that the push for change is both local and global.

This surge of youth activism echoes global movements like the Arab Spring, where frustrations over inequality and state repression ignited revolutionary change across North Africa. Similarly, Bangladesh’s Shahbagh protests in 2013 demonstrated how young people could mobilize to demand political accountability. These parallels underscore that the current wave of protests in Kenya is not isolated. It is part of a global awakening where young people are refusing to wait for permission to lead—they are claiming their place at decision-making tables.

Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact

Amid the chaos, there is a growing sense of hope and purpose among this generation. Many are anchoring their actions in faith, guided by the belief that they are instruments of change. The phrase “Tunaomba na tunachukua hatua”—we pray, and we take action—captures the spirit of these young leaders. They are not waiting for miracles but are working to build a future where broken systems are reimagined, and shattered dreams become the foundation for renewal. What society once dismissed as hopeless is now fertile ground for transformation. The energy driving these protests offers an opportunity to redefine leadership. But meaningful change goes beyond replacing one leader with another—it requires a shift in leadership philosophy. Kenya needs leaders with empathy and integrity, committed to service, not status. Leadership today must extend beyond politics to include sectors such as healthcare, education, and business, where problem-solving takes precedence over crisis management. At Inuka Leadership Africa, we have seen how equipping young people with the right skills, mentorship, and networks can unlock their potential. Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact. That is why we partner with movements like NXT Move Global, which emphasizes cross-border collaboration and innovation. The future of Africa depends on partnerships that nurture young leaders and amplify their voices.

The future belongs to those bold enough to build it

Kenya is at a pivotal moment. The youth have already begun rewriting the narrative, but sustained change requires more than protests. It demands focused, strategic action. Young people must go beyond raising their voices—they need to pursue tangible reforms. For example, initiating recalls of ineffective MPs or ensuring that corruption cases do not stall would demonstrate that accountability is not optional. Without follow-through, protests risk becoming background noise that the political elite can ignore. The work ahead is challenging, but it is achievable with unity and purpose. Young leaders across different sectors—politics, education, business, and community work—must collaborate to maintain momentum and drive reform. It is time to Inuka (rise) and take deliberate actions that translate frustrations into meaningful change.

The future belongs to those bold enough to build it. Kenya’s youth are no longer waiting for doors to open—they are constructing their own. However, real transformation demands more than protests; it requires vision, discipline, and relentless effort. With each campaign, each partnership, and each policy shift, they are paving the way toward a better tomorrow. The winds of change are blowing, and Kenya’s youth are holding the torches to light the way forward.