Kenya's Gen Z: The misunderstood voices amid rising political divisions

As the political environment gains heat in the country following the National Assembly's resolution to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, the developments are increasingly becoming a topic of concern for many.

However, Gen Zs, who arguably are the genesis of the growing political divisions in the country following their largely successful protests in June against Finance Bill 2024, are perceived as a generation that is indifferent to political and public affairs.

But this perception is incorrect, as demonstrated by a study exploring the myths and realities of Kenya's Gen Z.

Gen Z comprises individuals born between 1997 and early 2012 and is known for breaking free from outdated stereotypes and showcasing an innovative and dynamic image through social media and digital platforms.

Firstly, according to the study report by the international tech firm GeoPoll, the perception that Kenya's Gen Z does not care about serious matters — political and public affairs — is a misconception.

"A significant 63.30 per cent of surveyed Gen Z respondents stated they are very involved in politics and public affairs," the report reads.

"Additionally, 21.57 per cent reported being somewhat involved, while 9.79 per cent remained neutral. Only 4.83 per cent were somewhat uninvolved, and a mere 2.83 per cent refrained from political engagement altogether."

These findings highlight Gen Z's strong interest and active participation in shaping the political and civic landscape, the report adds.

Are Gen Zs lazy and unambitious?

Then there is the perception that a majority of them are lazy and not ambitious.

The study says while a significant portion of Gen Z in Kenya is experiencing unemployment, members of other generations often perceive them as lazy and lacking in ambition.

However, the assessment from the study shows that 82.87 per cent of Gen Z respondents consider themselves ambitious.

Furthermore, 11.85 per cent of them believe they are somewhat more ambitious than previous generations, with only 3.48 per cent expressing neutrality and 3.22 per cent viewing themselves as less ambitious.

On the other hand, there has also been a narrative that Gen Zs are killing the use of TV, radio and print newspapers as conventional channels of communication because of their tech-savvy and mobile-centric nature.

The study reveals that despite the rise of social media, TV and radio remain dominant in Africa as consumers typically watch TV or listen to the radio daily.

It however says Kenya's Gen Z's approach to media is changing.

"A majority of Gen Z rely on social media for news and entertainment. About 57 per cent of people prefer social media for immediate and interactive content, especially younger people," GeoPoll says.

"TV comes next at 25 per cent, showing that it still plays a significant role in delivering news and entertainment. Radio and news websites are tied at seven per cent each, catering to more specific and niche audiences."

Nevertheless, the perception that they do digital jobs since they are tech savvy is objected to by the survey.

Despite Kenya's significant technological advancement and the global shift towards remote work, the report shows a majority of respondents, 66.71 per cent, are currently unemployed.

Additionally, 19.38 per cent of those surveyed are employed, while 13.46 per cent own a small business.

Economic growth

Notably, the survey credited Gen Z for leading the charge on sustainability in the country.

According to the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.

In Kenya, GeoPoll says Gen Z recognises that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

"A substantial 92.98 per cent of Gen Z respondents agree that their generation is more focused on sustainability compared to previous generations. Meanwhile, 5.86 per cent remain neutral, and only 2.64 per cent believe that older generations are more committed to sustainability than Gen Z," the GeoPoll report says.