The Impact of Social Media in Shaping Kenya’s Politics: Gen Z Uprising and the Rejection of the Finance Bill 2024

Abstract

The rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 by Kenya’s Gen Z population highlights the growing influence of digital communication, particularly social media, on the country’s political landscape. Similar to other global youth-led movements, Kenya’s Gen Z has utilized platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to organize protests, voice opposition, and mobilize collective action. Social media has become an essential tool for political engagement, empowering younger generations to influence government policies and actively participate in the political process. This study examines the impact of social media on Kenya’s political landscape, focusing on the Gen Z uprising and its involvement in rejecting the Finance Bill 2024. The research was framed through Social Movement Theory (SMT), which provides insight into how digital platforms can facilitate political mobilization. Using a descriptive research design, this study analyzed secondary data from a sample of social media posts and online content related to the protests. A comparison was also made with youth-led movements in other countries such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, where social media played a crucial role in shaping political outcomes The findings of this study revealed that social media fosters civic engagement among Gen Z and act as a catalyst for political change, contributing to the reshaping of governance in the digital age. This study sheds light on the broader implications of social media-fueled activism for Kenya’s political system and global democratic movements led by younger generations.