Kenya's Gen Z's named most influential group of 2024 - Infotrak poll

Gen Zs have been recognised as the most influential group in Kenya for 2024, a new poll by Infotrak has revealed.

The survey, conducted between September 27 and 28, 2024, aimed to identify individuals and groups whose actions have significantly shaped the country’s events, views, and behaviours.

The poll revealed that 23 per cent of respondents consider Gen Z as emerging national heroes, highlighting their involvement in environmental activism, social justice campaigns, and innovative technological solutions.

The group has been vocal in advocating for social justice, using digital platforms such as X formerly Twitter, to mobilise and push for change.

One of the notable actions led by Gen Z was organising peaceful protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which they perceived as exacerbating economic inequality.

Digital campaigns, such as #OccupyParliament, successfully demanded better governance and economic reforms, prompting a shift in government actions.

Additionally, the group has been at the forefront of environmental activism, organising clean-up initiatives and using social media to raise awareness on climate change and environmental degradation.

Veteran politician Raila Odinga came second in the poll with 18 per cent of respondents recognising his long-standing contributions to social reforms and leadership in Kenya’s political landscape. The report attributed his popularity to his efforts in shaping the nation’s direction over the years.

“Raila Odinga was the most frequently mentioned hero, with 18 per cent of respondents nationwide recognising him. His influence was especially pronounced in Nyanza (30 per cent), his political stronghold, but he also had significant support in regions like Western (23 per cent) and Coast (22 per cent). His long-standing role in Kenyan politics and his continued push for reforms and democracy resonated with many,” reads the report.

Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion, ranked third with an 11 per cent approval rating. Her outstanding achievements in athletics, including setting two world records in 2023, solidified her position as one of Kenya's national heroes.

President William Ruto, his impeached deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino tied at the fourth position with an 8 per cent approval rating. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta followed closely with 7 per cent, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka secured 5 per cent.

Other notable figures in the poll included political activist Morara Kebaso, marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, each earning 3 per cent approval.

The survey, conducted through computer-assisted telephone interviews, covered 800 respondents across Kenya’s eight regions: Coast, Northern, Lower Eastern, Mt. Kenya, South Rift, North Rift, Nyanza, Western, and Nairobi. It had a margin of error of ±3.5 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.

National Hereos 

Another key finding from the poll was that 65 per cent of Kenyans believe the government is not doing enough to honour its heroes and heroines.

Respondents from Nairobi had the highest recognition rate, with 42 per cent acknowledging that heroes were well recognised, compared to only 35 per cent of respondents nationally.

On the other hand, the coastal region reported the lowest level of satisfaction, with just 25 per cent agreeing that heroes were properly honoured, followed by the Central region at 28 per cent.

North Eastern Kenya recorded the highest approval, with 45 per cent of respondents stating that the government was effectively recognising its heroes. Among young people aged 18 to 26, 63 per cent felt that the government’s efforts to honour national heroes were insufficient, while 37 per cent believed otherwise.

Among respondents over 55 years old, over 70 per cent felt that the country was not adequately recognising its heroes.

In addition to Gen Z, other individuals highlighted as national heroes in the survey included Fred Matiang’i, Morara Kebaso, Eliud Kipchoge, Kithure Kindiki, and Okiya Omtatah.

Also mentioned were public figures such as Eric Omondi, Gladys Wanga, Irungu Kang’ata, Richard Onyonka, Martha Karua, Edwin Sifuna, Kasmuel McOure, Jimi Wanjigi, and several Kenyan athletes.