Dear Ally,
Kenya remains at the forefront of a powerful and dynamic youth-led movement demanding socio-economic and political justice. This Gen Z movement echoes the historical and contemporary Pan-African struggles that have united African communities in shared struggles against colonialism, imperialism, and systemic oppression.From North Africa's anti-colonial uprisings to West Africa's independence movements, and from South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle to East Africa's struggle for self-determination, young Africans have consistently been on the frontlines of transforming societies.
In Kenya, the Gen Z movement resonates with the spirit of historical resistance movements, such as the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule in the 1950s. Similar to the Mau Mau resistance against colonial powers, today's Gen Z activists challenge entrenched power structures and demand greater accountability from political leaders. The legacy of colonial violence and dispossession continues to influence the Gen Z movement's grievances, highlighting persistent economic inequalities and political disenfranchisement.
Building on last week’s article on challenging colonial legacies and reclaiming narratives on resistance, I will be going deeper into these connections, drawing parallels with past and present Pan-African movements. I will also dissect the movement's strengths and challenges in mobilisation and inclusivity, as well as the intersectional nuances the movement faces today!
We're witnessing history unfold in real-time, and I'm honoured not only to witness this revolution as a young person but also to document it for the benefit of current and future generations.
Link to Past Pan-African Movements
The Gen Z movement embodies Pan-Africanism principles of liberation and collective movement that date back to the struggles for independence. This spirit of solidarity among African nations, which emerged during and after the colonial era, has influenced the formation of various Pan-African movements and regional bodies such as the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and ECOWAS.
During the struggle for independence, Kenya’s social movement and political leaders drew inspiration from each other’s struggles and ideals that advocated for Africa’s self determination. Political figures like Jomo Kenyatta, who later became Kenya's first president, were influenced by pan-African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. These leaders not only fought against colonial rule in their respective countries but also championed a vision of Africa free from foreign domination and united in its pursuit of socio-economic progress.
Across Africa, youth revolutionaries played pivotal roles in challenging colonial powers and shaping post-independence trajectories. In Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah's leadership of the Convention People's Party mobilised young activists in the struggle against British colonial rule, culminating in Ghana's independence in 1957. Nkrumah's vision of pan-Africanism extended beyond Ghana's borders, advocating for African unity and solidarity among African nations.
In South Africa for example, Steve Biko who co-founded the Black Consciousness Movement mobilises black South Africans, especially young people to resist apartheid through grassroots organising and political education, challenging racial injustices in the country. In Algeria, the National Liberation Front (FLN) mobilised Algerian youth in a protracted armed struggle against French colonial rule, leading to Algeria's independence in 1962. The FLN's use of guerrilla warfare and mass mobilisation tactics galvanised Algerian youth into action, contributing to the eventual liberation of their country from colonial oppression.
In Kenya, the spirit of pan-Africanism and youth activism continues to resonate in contemporary movements. Inspired by past revolutionaries from the continent to engage and advocate for social justice, economic empowerment, and political accountability. I recognise the shared history of resistance, resilience, and determination to build a better Africa that manifests in today’s Gen Z movement in Kenya.
Contemporary Youth Led Movements Across Africa
Across the continent, African youth are mobilising and organising against systemic injustice, frustration, and hopelessness from the socio-economic disparities and state negligence. In Nigeria, the #EndSARS movement highlighted police brutality and systemic corruption, drawing parallels to Kenya's own struggles against police violence and state repression. South Africa's #FeesMustFall campaign underscored youth demands for affordable education and equitable opportunities, resonating with Kenya's calls for economic reforms and inclusive governance.
In East Africa, Uganda's youth have challenged President Museveni's prolonged rule through movements like #ThisTaxMustGo, emphasising digital activism's role in mobilising dissent. Meanwhile, in West Africa, Ghana's #FixTheCountry movement advocates for accountable governance and responsive leadership, mirroring Kenyan youth's demands for transparency and effective public service delivery.
The wave of resistance is spreading fast across the continent with reports from Uganda this week on their ‘March to Parliament’ protests making headlines. On social media, Nigerian youth have also expressed their plans to protest against bad governance and economic reforms in the coming weeks despite stern warnings from the country’s administration advising against holding protests similar to that of the Gen Z movement in Kenya.
The power of digital technologies to drive youth engagement and political discourse cannot be understated. The #EndSARS movement started on Twitter before they took to the streets. In Kenya, the Gen Z movement has fully and effectively utilised digital tools to mobilise, educate, organise, raise awareness on state abductions and police shootings, fundraise and coordinate mass action. Hashtags like #RejectTheFinanceBill2024 #RutoMustGo has been trending for the past five weeks. Additionally, when the President called for dialogue, young Kenyans refused to dialogue with him and presented a list of demands before they could agree to any dialogue. Some of these demands like the sacking of the cabinet have been fulfilled but many others including justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of protestors are yet to be met.
Kenya, and by large the Gen Z movement made history through calling on a President to address the nation on X(formerly Twitter), a session that was attended by over 300,000 X users, which if you ask me represents a tiny fraction of the Kenyan youth population. Actually, many more young people with little to no internet access or who were busy at work or in school that day were not engaged! Notably, Kenyans organised parallel forums at the same date and time to counter the President’s forum. Still, Kudos to the Gen Z movement for flipping the script on what youth engagement with the State more broadly.
Challenges to Youth Movements in the Digital Era
Today's youth movements leverage digital platforms and grassroots organising to amplify their voices and mobilise communities, building on the legacy of Pan-African solidarity to tackle contemporary challenges and shape Kenya's future. However, the digital age has also introduced significant challenges, such as state surveillance, cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns. Activists and other protestors have been exposed to state surveillance, cyber threats and bullying. Social media platforms amplify voices, build support, yet they also subject activists to disinformation campaigns, smear campaigns, propaganda and online harassment.
Moreover, today's movements must navigate complex socio-political landscapes shaped by globalisation, neoliberal policies, and regional geopolitics. Economic dependencies on foreign investments and international aid have implications on national sovereignty, complicating efforts to achieve economic justice and self-determination. Unlike earlier Pan-African movements, which confronted direct colonial rule, today's activists are protesting against forms of neo-colonialism and transnational corporate influence.
Future Outlook
Young Africans are increasingly forging solidarity across borders, championing shared values of justice, equality, and self-determination. The African Union's Agenda 2063 embodies this collective vision, aiming to promote inclusive growth, sustainable development, and continental integration.Youth led movements, organisations and Pan-African networks are significant actors in advancing these aspirations, promoting dialogue, and fostering cross-cultural understanding among diverse African communities. The Gen Z movement underscores the continuity of resistance against oppression and the pursuit by young people for a dignified and empowering life for all.
Updates from #BuildingInPublic
For those who recently subscribed to my newsletter, I’ve adopted the #buildinginpublic approach to share real time insights into my work and progress. Here are this week’s updates:
- Curating my first session of the ‘How I Built This Workshop’ series. Next Tuesday, 30th July, I’m hosting 16 interesting individuals who are either implementing or interested in building social impact, justice, and development campaigns and projects. I will be sharing the behind-the-scenes details of one of my past campaigns and showing them not only how I think but also how I make decisions. Interested in joining the next one? Join the waitlist here
- Building a website dedicated to #buildinginpublic host all resources and workshops on social impact. I am using Odoo which currently offers me a free domain, hosting and access to templates that make it so easy to do! I hope to get it done by end of July but you can check out my progress here
- Attended a Youth Assembly in Dandora hosted by the Social Justice Centre Travelling Theatre (SJCTT) that includes young members passionate about art and theatre from the different social justice centres in Nairobi. SJCTT is planning a big youth festival at Dandora Stadium on 27th August 2024, on the date the Constitution of Kenya was promulgated in 2010. Interested in supporting? Let me know and I will put you in touch with the organisers
Did you enjoy today’s article? Share your thoughts with me by replying to this email and support by sharing this link with your network or reposting it on LinkedIn. Next week, I'll conclude the series next week with an intersectional analysis of the successes and challenges facing Kenya’s Gen Z movement. If you’re interested in sponsoring my next article or exploring collaboration, please email me at mwevyn@gmail.com.
Thank you for reading to the end, and as always, for being my Ally. Your support means everything!
Your Social Impact Ally,
Wevyn
