Which Way Media: A Reflection on the Youth Voice or Moving Forward: Snowballing into a Revolution or Clawback on Freedoms?

By Dorah Nesoba, EAES Project Consultant

The recent withdrawal of the Finance Bill (2024), following widespread youth-led protests, has set the stage for a crucial juncture in Kenya's political landscape. As the nation looks ahead, the pivotal question is whether this momentum will snowball into a revolution that leads to an issue-based election in 2027, or if it will trigger a regressive clawback on fundamental freedoms under the guise of security.

The protests against the Finance Bill have showcased the power and determination of Kenya's youth. This generation is not only calling for economic justice but also demanding greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in governance. The potential for this movement to evolve into a broader revolution is significant.

Mr. Denish Odongo, a prominent youth leader, emphasized the importance of sustained activism: "We have shown that our voices can make a difference. Now, we must keep pushing for change and ensure that our leaders are held accountable. The 2027 election should be about the issues that matter to us – employment, education, healthcare, and accountability."

Law Society of Kenya President Ms Faith Odhiambo

He said the energy and organization demonstrated by the youth could indeed transform the 2027 election into one focused on substantive issues rather than personality politics. The increased engagement of young people in political processes, coupled with the power of social media and digital platforms, could drive a shift towards more policy-oriented campaigns and debates.

However, there is also a looming risk that the government might respond to this wave of activism with measures that curtail fundamental freedoms. The protests, which included instances of violence, have already been met with heavy-handed responses from security forces. This raises concerns about the potential for increased surveillance, restrictions on assembly, and censorship under the pretext of maintaining security and public order.

Kenya Editors Guild Council member and Independent Journalist Mr. Macharia Gaitho warned of this possibility: "We must be vigilant against any attempts to roll back our hard-won freedoms. The government might use the guise of security to justify repressive measures, which could stifle dissent and undermine democracy."

Independent Journalist Mr. Macharia Gaitho

President of the Law Society of Kenya Mrs. Faith Odhiambo  noted that in navigating this critical period, the role of media and civil society will be paramount. The media, having gained the trust of the youth through its comprehensive coverage of the protests, must continue to act as a watchdog, ensuring that any government actions do not infringe on civil liberties. Civil society organizations will also need to be proactive in advocating for the protection of fundamental rights and providing platforms for dialogue and engagement.

Prof. Kanyinga underscored that the youth are not just protesting against a single piece of legislation; they are expressing deep-seated frustrations with systemic issues. "The youth are demanding accountability from their leaders," he says. "They want transparency in how public funds are managed and a government that prioritizes their needs." The Finance Bill, which proposed significant tax hikes, was seen as an additional burden on a population already struggling with high unemployment and economic instability. However, the protests have evolved to address broader concerns, including government inefficiency, corruption, and the lack of meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

Beyond accountability, the youth are also calling for better public services. Prof. Kanyinga highlights that young Kenyans are particularly concerned about access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. "The demands for better services reflect a broader desire for a government that invests in its people," he notes. "The youth want to see tangible improvements in their daily lives."

At the heart of the youth's demands is the call for integrity in leadership, as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution. This chapter mandates that state officers must be honest, accountable, and free from corruption. Prof. Kanyinga argues that the implementation of these principles is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance.

Prof. Kanyinga

"Chapter Six is a cornerstone for good governance," says Prof. Kanyinga. "It demands that our leaders be people of integrity who put the public interest above personal gain. The youth are pushing for these standards to be upheld rigorously, as they are essential for the development and prosperity of our nation."

As Kenya stands at this crossroads, the adherence to the principles of public finance management and leadership integrity as enshrined in the Constitution will be critical. The youth, supported by leaders like Prof. Kanyinga, are advocating for a governance system that is transparent, accountable, and committed to the public good. The editorial roundtable seeks to ensure that these voices continue to shape the nation's future, fostering a political environment where integrity and service to the people are paramount.

The Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES)'s editorial roundtable, titled "Which Way Media: A Reflection on the Youth Voice," aimed to address these issues. By bringing together key stakeholders, including youth leaders like Denish Odongo, the event will explore strategies for maintaining the momentum of youth activism while safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Dj Shock Africa - Creative

Another youth Leader Jackline Mugo aka DJ Shock urged participants Gen Z, born into a world of digital connectivity and social media, consumes information and interacts with content in fundamentally different ways than previous generations. DJ Shock points out that traditional methods of communication and engagement may not effectively reach or engage this demographic.

EAES Executive Director Mr Churchill Otieno

"Gen Z lives online. They are constantly connected through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube," DJ Shock explains. "To effectively engage with them, we must meet them where they are – in their digital spaces." They have listed about 20 issues that need to be addressed before they call off the protests, she said.

The recent surge in youth-led protests against the Finance Bill (2024) has marked a significant moment in Kenyan activism. The proposed tax hikes were seen by Generation Z as a threat to an already unstable economic landscape, characterized by high youth unemployment.

The Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES)'s editorial roundtable, titled "Which Way Media: A Reflection on the Youth Voice," addressed some of these issues. By bringing together key stakeholders, including youth leaders, researchers, editors, the Law Society of Kenya and CSOs   the event explored strategies for maintaining the momentum of youth activism while safeguarding democratic freedoms.