The recent by-elections showed a clear pattern: most of the Gen Zs stayed away from the ballot. While many politicians hastened to blame “youth laziness” or “ignorance,” the truth is much more complex-and honestly, much more uncomfortable for the political class.
To begin with, many of the youths are not registered as voters. They feel detached from a system in which they feel their voices are never heard. To them, it would not make much difference to register when the same issues persist with every election cycle.
The second reason is deep and growing voter apathy among Kenya’s youth; many Gen Zs say voting has never changed their economic reality. With high unemployment and a rise in the cost of living, to them, elections are political games that do little for their daily struggles.
Thirdly, the tribal narratives and propaganda propelled by both the government and opposition during the by-elections alienated many Gen Zs. The Gen Z generation does not get moved by alliances of tribal names and slogans recycled from the previous political era; they believe in honesty, accountability, and issue-based campaigns, not drama.
One thing is for sure, whether politicians like it or not: Gen Z is not silent; they simply don’t want to be part of a system that they feel is obsolete, unfair, and detached from their world. Unless their political leaders change tack, this trend is going to get stronger.
