In June 2024, at the height of the debate on Finance Bill 2024, a number of young people organised protests. They decided that they were not going to be silent victims of a political culture that ignores the voices of citizens and perpetuates budgeted corruption. The young people decided to do something about it.
2024 will go down in history as annus mirabilis to borrow the Latin phrase — one of the most remarkable and auspicious years for Kenya —if the Gen Z protest is seen as an important contribution in the process of building a better and stronger country and changing the political culture to make politics a force for good.
Gen Z took to the streets calling for economic and socio-political inclusion, and for a responsive and accountable government. Through the protest, Gen Z affirmed their desire and right to be part of the country’s socio-economic and political processes.
The unleashed power of the youth has changed everything including our thinking about politics and politicians. Increasingly, country first, politicians second is becoming the foundation of the new Kenya that young people yearn.
What young people want is a Kenya where everyone feels they belong. They don’t want business as usual or the same old rhetoric of good governance and development, but the realisation of the cherished ideals and goals.
Kenya must keep the spirit of 2024 and tap into the growing momentum around good governance — seize the opportunity with a sense of urgency and purpose to address governance challenges which is fundamental for social and economic transformation.
First, we must realise that national values and principles are important in mounding the character of our nation. Our Constitution under Article 10, prescribes the national values and principles including patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power; the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people; human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalised; good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability; and sustainable development.
Second, all the arms of government and institutions must continue to reform and rejuvenate to play their indispensable mandates for the country’s development. Kenya must build robust institutions to pursue effective and coherent national development strategies.
Third, people must be at the centre of governance and development. There is a need respect and uphold the contract between the state and the people and ensure public services perform their basic functions, the economy does not leave millions of hard-working Kenyans languishing in poverty and politicians deliver their promises.
To achieve good governance, we should embrace the legitimate concerns and lessons from Gen Z protests.
Although economic challenges have been blamed for the protests, the government’s tone-deaf position on many socio-political issues is a factor that contributed to the situation.
Ultimately, the journey towards a better Kenya must be seen as a collective endeavour, that requires everyone’s dedication.
