Digital activism in Kenya has undergone a significant transformation in 2024, reshaping how citizens engage with the Kenya Kwanza Government and advocate for change.
The year 2024 saw Kenyans engage in candid conversations that changed the country’s dynamics. This was due to the broad activism witnessed online.
Let us have a quick look into how Kenya used digital activism to voice their issues and even lead to a change in policies in the country.
The Rise of the use of social media platforms
2024 saw Kenyans utilise social media platforms to voice their concerns. With the leadership of notable activists, Kenyans used social media platforms like X (formally Twitter) and Instagram to move hashtags that drove the government into changing policies.
An image of social media icons on display on a mobile phone.
Anadolu Agency
TikTok, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp became central to activism and essential tools for mobilising and expressing dissent.
The Rise of Gen Z
A generation that was thought to be asleep and nonchalant rose up through digital activism. Just by the click of a button, Gen Z used digital prowess to organise and voice opposition.
From #ocuppyparliament to #rejectthefinancebill and #Rutomustgo, Gen Z has shown how together they can forge a movement that can change Kenya. Through digital activism, Kenya witnessed thousands of youths resiliently protesting for months as they fought for their rights.
Through posters, meetings, and informative videos posted on social media, Gen Z used digital activism to force the president to listen to them. This led to major changes like President Ruto withdrawing the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The president also engaged with the youth through X, where he held a space just to listen to their issues and resolve them.
Protests
Digital activism has seen Kenyans organise more protests in 2024. What began as a digital outcry on platforms like TikTok, X, and Whatsapp quickly escalated into significant movements.
Through digital activism, Kenyans planned the Anti-Finance Bill protest that was popular. The Finance Bill, which proposed an increase in various taxes and levies, faced widespread opposition.
Apart from the Finance Bill protest, Kenyans organised other protests like the Ruto Must Go demonstrations, end femicide, and Stop Abducting Us, just to name a few solemnly using digital activism.
This era also saw the rise of activists who mobilised Kenyans through social media, they include: Boniface Mwangi, Hanifa Farsafi, Shad Khalif, Osama Otero, Gabriel Oguda, Drey Mwangi, and more.
Support
2024 has seen more Kenyans coming together to support one another through fundraisers done through digital activism. Supporters have used these platforms to send money for transportation, medication, treatment, and general support to help Kenyans.
Digital activism has shown the power of social media in driving social change and holding leaders accountable. It’s a testament to the creativity and resilience of the younger generation, who are using digital tools to make their voices heard.
A photo collage of a man carrying street signage demolished at Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street and a police water canon dispersing protestors during the anti-government protests in June 2024.