IMANI: Gen Z on course to turn the tide, reshape Kenya

Hundreds of youthful protesters along Moi Avenue in Mombasa on June 25 last year/FILE

There's a saying, “nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.” One year after Gen Z entered the scene, this statement has effectively been proven right.

This new schema – a departure from the previous generations’ ways and norms – is gradually proving that the change this nation has long hoped for is finally here. And there's no turning back.

I have said it before that every generation before Gen Z tends to be pulled toward a false sense of stability, at the expense of making things right.

Previous elections have been about politicians, who have woven narratives surrounding their ethnic communities in an intricate, deceptive tapestry.

Once in office, these tribal chiefs pledged they would change the fortunes of “their people”. But these tribesmen are still disenfranchised, four generations later.

Since Kenya's independence in 1963, there have been roughly four generations (where a generation is generally considered to be around 20-25 years). The four schemas since independence are the Uhuru generation (1940-1965): This generation experienced colonial rule, the struggle for independence, and the early years of nationhood. They can be excused for not wanting to be part of any more agitation – they’re in their twilight years and look at life through the lens of stability, and fairly so. They can sit this struggle out.

Then there's post-Uhuru generation (1965-1981): This group came of age during a period of political consolidation and economic challenges, witnessing the transition to a one-party state and the rise of opposition movements. They lived through a dictatorship and were taught not to rock the boat, sang the dictator’s praise, went through the dictator’s school system (which wasn't too bad, especially considering the current competency-based curriculum) and drank his milk for free. Naturally, they would tilt towards the hand that feeds them. Any divergent thinking was considered abominable.

By the time Millennials were born (1982-1994), they found pretty docile generations already in existence. This schema came of age during a period of increased globalisation and technological advancements. They too, toed the line and might not be remembered for anything too memorable.

But in comes Gen Z (1995-2012): This generation is the most recent, having grown up with digital technologies and social media. This group is very distinct: while they had parents, social media largely raised them. Their learning style is different – favouring influence over handed-down instruction. They are squeamish at work (most don't stay too long in one place), are adept at tech and gave social media influencers more online followers than physical friends. Influencing became a job, trending a benchmark and online presence a lifestyle.

Why is any of this important? I submit to you that this is the very generation that will effect a turnaround and give us the nation we should have had after attaining self-rule. Here's a similar case study.

The Israelites in biblical days lived in Egypt for 430 years. The first tranche – during Joseph's time – was bliss. They lived on the best part of the land and had food to eat. Few in number, but well taken care of, with Joseph as the second-in-command. Then came a pharaoh “who knew not Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). By then, things had changed drastically – the Israelites numbered millions and this new leader, unlike those before him, did not recognise Joseph's role in keeping his country alive and turning it into a superpower. This new regime marked a turning point, leading to the oppression of the Israelites. One that would last four generations. But after the darkness comes dawn. A new day emerged, and the Israelites were set free. It took very dramatic actions for this hard-hearted pharaoh to finally let them go, for dialogue and convincing alone did not work.

We stand on the precipice of something new. Definitely not 400 years, but four generations later is as good as it gets. While the main actors (politicians) are scrambling to accumulate votes and change laws to allow ID card voting (and have opened the doors to non-Kenyans to vote), others in the opposing camp are gathering tribal back-up – same script, different cast. But there stands a group that is convinced that politicians are not the answer; leaders with integrity are. And this group is gathering steam, educating the masses by disseminating pertinent information and consolidating the numbers. They are hungry, hopeful and determined to turn the tide. Their time has come.