Kenya's Damascus moment with Gen Z, there's nowhere to hide

Youths participate in anti-tax protests in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Observing current happenings in Kenya, one cannot help but feel that the country is experiencing a Damascus moment.

This term, inspired by the biblical story of Paul, describes a profound and transformative change in belief or position.

Just as Paul was radically transformed on the road to Damascus, Kenya is undergoing a significant shift in its political and social landscape, driven by the demands and actions of Gen Z.

The catalyst is not a voluntary shift by the political class. Much like Paul’s conversion was an act of divine intervention, the change in Kenya is being forced by circumstances beyond the control of politicians. Gen Z, the young and dynamic cohort born between late 1990s and early 2010s, has emerged as a powerful force, compelling politicians to rethink their approaches and policies. This recalibration is not born out of willingness but necessity; politicians must adapt to survive in this new reality.

Gen Z’s impact on our politics is unprecedented. They have defied traditional norms of protest and political engagement. Unlike previous movements that could be easily ethnicised or politicised, Gen Z’s issues are clear, candid and universal. Their protests cannot be dismissed as grievances of a particular community; they are a collective call for accountability and transparency in governance.

Historically, Kenyan protests were often manipulated by politicians who could mobilise masses to rally for causes not entirely understood by the protesters themselves. These demonstrations were easily quelled when leaders, often compromised, called for an end.

In contrast, the current Gen Z movement is rooted in a deep understanding of the issues at hand. They demand tangible results and accountability, not just empty promises or token gestures.

For long, Kenya’s political system has been opaque, with elected officials operating with a sense of entitlement, believing their election grants them unchecked power to act as they please. This has led to rampant corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

Politicians have been content to impose taxes and collect revenues without providing a clear account of how these funds are utilised. The Gen Zs challenge this status quo, demanding transparency.

The government’s approach to fiscal management has been akin to trying to fill a leaking bucket by increasing the flow of water instead of repairing the holes. Rather than addressing systemic issues of corruption and inefficiency, efforts have focused on raising more revenue.

This approach is unsustainable and only exacerbates the problem. As the song by Harry Belafonte goes, “There’s a hole in the bucket,” and it must be fixed before attempting to draw more water.

Gen Z’s demands are straightforward: fix the problems. They are not interested in endless dialogues and meetings that yield reports gathering dust. They want action and solutions. Attempts by older politicians to co-opt the movement through calls for dialogue have fallen flat.

Gen Z activists are not looking to identify the problems—they have already done so. They want those in power to take responsibility and make necessary changes. 

The political class may try to resist and downplay this movement, but they must eventually face reality. Historically, governments have tried to blame victims and external forces for uprisings, ignoring the root causes of discontent. During the Mau Mau rebellion, the colonial government labelled the freedom fighters ungrateful savages instead of acknowledging their legitimate grievances. Similarly, during the push for a multi-party system, the government dismissed activists as puppets of foreign interests. 

This pattern is repeating with Gen Z. Attempts to discredit the movement by alleging foreign funding or influence miss the point entirely. The issues being raised are real and stem from genuine frustrations with the current state of governance.

One does not need foreign backing to see the need for freedom and fair treatment. Just as oppressed populations throughout history have risen to demand their rights, Gen Z is standing up against systemic failures.

Ultimately, the Damascus moment for Kenya’s political class is inevitable. They must either adapt to the demands of the people or risk becoming obsolete.