Gen Z protests caused by a clash of ideologies between young, the old

Youth during Gen Z protests in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

A year has passed since the Gen Z protests shook the nation, leading to tragic loss of lives. But even as the dust settles on this uprising that saw audacious young Kenyans occupy the streets, breach Parliament and other key institutions, including police stations, to express their anger against the Finance Bill 2024, a crucial question lingers: What was the true impact of this youthquake? And more importantly, was it merely a transient outburst or a harbinger of a deeper, ideological chasm between generations?

The recent quietude on the streets, despite the Finance Bill 2025 largely sidestepping the core concerns raised last year, was perplexing and begs the question: Were the demands met, or was the public's focus cleverly diverted? The killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, coinciding with the budget reading, steered public anger towards police brutality, overshadowing legislative developments. This strategic shift, whether deliberate or coincidental, highlights a critical vulnerability in public discourse and engagement. If fundamental grievances remain unaddressed, what comes next for a generation that has tasted its collective power? Are Gen Z's expectations out of sync with reality, or are our leaders simply tone-deaf to a rapidly evolving populace?

My conviction is that we are witnessing a profound misunderstanding between the younger generations (Gen Zs and Alpha) and older generations (the Boomers, Gen X, and even Millennials). This isn't just a generational gap; it's a clash of ideologies and philosophies concerning growth, development, and societal priorities. Each generation is a product of vastly different socialisation that shapes their worldviews, expectations of governance or even preferred modes of communication.

Consider their respective information ecosystems, for instance. Gen Z, digitally savvy, thrives on instant, decentralised information flow, often bypassing traditional media and government channels. Their demands are amplified through viral trends and online mobilisation. The older leadership, on the other hand, operates within a more hierarchical and formal communication system, struggling to comprehend the nuances of digital activism and the rapid dissemination of youth-driven narratives. This disconnect creates a fertile ground for misinterpretation and, ultimately, stalemate. Recall how the government was initially bewildered by the Gen Z movement? Top government officials, including the President, struggled to understand or even appreciate the demands by the Gen Zs. This communication chasm isn't a minor inconvenience; it's a critical flaw in governance.

Unless deliberate efforts are made to bridge this information divide and genuinely understand the distinct perspectives of both sides, cycles of protest and unresolved grievances are inevitable. The current leadership appears to be navigating a dynamic landscape with an outdated map, failing to grasp the shifting aspirations of the governed. Compromise, borne out of mutual understanding, is the only sustainable way forward.

What we witnessed in the Gen Z protests, and what continues to brew, is an ideological confrontation fuelled by a crisis in communication. It is a contest between established norms and emergent ideals.

Mr Ouma is a development practitioner with a focus on strategic youth engagement