Youth-Led Tech Uprising in Kenya Over Contested Finance Bill
In June 2024, Kenya witnessed a significant turning point in its political activism. The catalyst was the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which sparked a digital uprising led by Gen Z. This tech-savvy generation, once political bystanders, transformed into tech-activists, leveraging digital tools and traditional protest methods.
The movement began on TikTok and quickly spread across various social media platforms. Protesters were armed with smartphones, live-streaming capabilities, and a keen understanding of social media's power. They employed innovative tactics such as AI-generated protest songs, GPT models explaining the bill, and trending hashtags like #OccupyParliament, #RejectFinanceBill2024, #RIPRex, and #JusticeForRex.
The online community also raised over 2.2 million Kenyan shillings to support the victims' families, tragically including Rex Kanyike Masai and Evans Kiratu, who became symbols of the movement's cost.
The fusion of digital savvy and street protest created a new model of civic engagement. This new model saw activists crowdsourcing a list of MPs' phone numbers, inundating legislators with messages. The movement resulted in an unprecedented gathering in Nairobi's Central Business District, putting pressure on the government.
In response to the protests, the government dropped several controversial tax proposals. Pressure also mounted for the release of detained protesters, with some success reported. Local businesses and religious institutions, including the Jamia Mosque, provided shelter for protesters.
Medical professionals, led by Dr. Austin Omondi and Dr. Salim Ishmael, volunteered their services to treat injured demonstrators. The movement sent a clear message to current and future leaders about the power of a digitally connected and politically engaged youth. It marked a significant shift in Kenya's political engagement and may shape the future of political discourse and action, not just in Kenya, but beyond.
