How Kenya lies at the heart of the global Gen Z protests | DW News

Kenyan Gen Z Protests & Global Youth Movements: A Detailed Analysis

Key Concepts:

• Gen Z Protests: Globally occurring demonstrations led by individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012, focused on issues like economic inequality, corruption, and political accountability.
• Finance Bill 2024 (Kenya): A proposed Kenyan finance bill that sparked initial protests due to its perceived punitive tax measures.
• Sabas Saba: A Kenyan commemoration day (July 7th) historically associated with calls for political reform, utilized in recent Gen Z protests.
• Decentralized Movements: Protest movements lacking a single, hierarchical leadership structure, relying on networked organization and digital communication.
• Digital Natives: Individuals who have grown up with ubiquitous access to digital technology, shaping their communication and mobilization strategies.
• Transnational Solidarity: The interconnectedness and mutual support between protest movements across different countries.
• Authoritarianism: A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

I. The Kenyan Context: Genesis and Development of Gen Z Protests

The interview begins by highlighting the significant protests in Kenya led by Generation Z, starting in June 2024. These protests were initially triggered by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, but quickly broadened to address economic disparities and perceived lack of representation by older politicians. Joshua Okao, a lawyer and youth activist, details his personal involvement, beginning with protests on June 18th, 20th, and 25th, 2024. He specifically recounts participating in the breach of Parliament on June 25th and his subsequent abduction on June 26th, remaining in captivity for over 48 hours.

Further protests followed, including “Nan Nan” (88) on August 8th, and a demonstration on December 30th, 2024, where Okao and 22 other young people were arrested while protesting against enforced disappearances and abductions – a tactic reportedly rampant at the time. A one-year commemoration of the June 25th breach occurred on June 25th, 2025, alongside the Sabas Saba protests (July 7th).

Okao asserts that the protests achieved the initial goal of having the Finance Bill 2024 dropped. He also notes a subsequent cabinet reshuffle and increased representation of young people in government positions, attributing this to a fear of further revolt. He describes this as a form of “empowerment,” albeit one driven by preventative measures.

II. Global Connections and the "Generational Conspiracy"

Okao emphasizes a sense of interconnectedness between Gen Z protests globally, describing it as a “generational conspiracy.” He argues that young people worldwide face similar issues and are learning from each other’s experiences, particularly through social media. He specifically credits Kenya as a starting point for this wave of protests, with other nations drawing inspiration from its success. He mentions conversations with peers in Madagascar and Tanzania, even visiting Tanzania in July 2024 to discuss potential strategies.

This perspective is reinforced by Evelyn Mantoy, who highlights the shared grievances of inequality, corruption, and lack of accountability driving these movements.

III. Characteristics of Gen Z Protest Movements

Mantoy differentiates Gen Z protests from previous generations by emphasizing their decentralized, leaderless, and digitally-driven nature. She notes their increased visibility, connectivity, and tendency to mobilize outside traditional political institutions.

The crucial role of digital technology is underscored, with Gen Z’s upbringing as “digital natives” enabling them to adapt to censorship, learn from others, and maintain momentum. Mantoy points to the influence of past movements, such as the Milk Tea Alliance protests of 2019 in Southeast Asia and East Asia, as sources of inspiration and tactical knowledge.

IV. Demands and Outcomes of Global Gen Z Protests

Mantoy states that Gen Z protests generally demand greater accountability and inclusion within political systems. They feel that existing institutions fail to represent their concerns and exclude them from meaningful dialogue. While some movements have achieved significant successes, including bringing down governments, others have faced repression, as exemplified by the situations in Myanmar and Georgia.

Mantoy notes that governments are often responding to Gen Z protests not with dialogue, but with security measures, viewing them as a threat rather than an opportunity for reform. She acknowledges the personal cost of participation in these movements for many protesters.

V. The Broader Democratic Context & Future Outlook

The discussion acknowledges a global decline in democracy and a rise in authoritarianism over the past decade. Despite this trend, Mantoy expresses cautious optimism, arguing that Gen Z protests demonstrate a continued desire for democratic values and a capacity for innovation in mobilization, even in shrinking protest spaces.

She states, “It shows that even when democracy is backsliding and the space for protest is shrinking that there is still space for like innovation and mobilization still persists.”

VI. Notable Quotes

• Joshua Okao: “It’s a generational conspiracy. It’s young people across the across the world saying that enough is enough and that we’ve had instances where politicians stay in offices for over and over but doing nothing and that it’s time for us to speak for ourselves.”
• Evelyn Mantoy: “I think it does [give hope for democracy’s future] in one way. It shows that even when democracy is backsliding and protest the space for protest is shrinking that there is still space for like innovation and mobilization still persists.”

VII. Data and Statistics

• The protests in Kenya began in June 2024, with key dates including June 18th, 20th, and 25th, 2024.
• Joshua Okao was abducted on June 26th, 2024, and held for over 48 hours.
• 23 young people, including Okao, were arrested on December 30th, 2024, while protesting enforced disappearances.
• The Finance Bill 2024 was ultimately dropped as a result of the protests.

Conclusion:

The interview paints a picture of a globally connected Gen Z movement driven by shared frustrations with economic inequality, corruption, and political exclusion. These protests are characterized by their decentralized nature, reliance on digital technology, and a willingness to challenge established power structures. While facing repression in many contexts, these movements represent a potential force for democratic renewal, demonstrating a continued desire for accountability and inclusion in a world experiencing a decline in democratic norms. The Kenyan experience serves as a case study, illustrating both the potential for achieving concrete policy changes and the risks faced by activists involved in these movements.