Political temperature is raising in the country as the 2027 presidential elections draws nigh. Sources from various media houses have depicted the youths as a new wind that will bring change in this country for a long time.
The Gen Zs have replaced the old structure of governance and opposition that was occupied by politicians.
With emergence of Generation Z, the political class have gulping for air after Sensing that their space in politics is fading, and replaced by passionate, fearless and ambitious youths, who wants to define their own future without political interference.
Taifa Leo has established that by 2027, many Gen Z members will have reached voting age.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), over 14 million Gen Z individuals will be eligible to vote.
In the 2022 elections, only a small number of them turned out to vote, according to data from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The 2022 voter register showed there were 8,811,691 registered voters aged between 18 and 34—about 40% of the total electorate.
By 2027, the number of Kenyans aged between 18 and 34 is expected to exceed 17.8 million, giving them a powerful opportunity to shape the country’s future.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said that if Gen Z capitalizes on their numbers, they could transform the nation’s leadership.
“This is a group driven by a thirst for better governance after enduring a difficult period. They now demand accountability without relying on tribalism, which has been a tool used by some politicians to push personal interests and agendas,” said Mr. Wambua.
Leadership expert Javas Bigambo said the protests have revealed the youth’s desire and energy to take up national leadership roles.
“Those in power should not dismiss them. Their creativity and the efforts they’re making to push for change should concern current leaders,” Mr. Bigambo said.
By Taifaleo