Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has issued a clarion call to Kenya’s Gen Z, urging them to transition from faceless online activism to organized, structured movements capable of effecting tangible change. Addressing the youth who have been vocal on social media and in demonstrations, Kuria emphasized the need for identity and leadership to transform their aspirations into reality.
Kuria’s remarks come amid increasing social and political activism by Kenyan youth, who have leveraged digital platforms to voice their grievances and demand reforms. However, Kuria contends that without a cohesive structure, these efforts might not yield the desired impact.
“You (Gen Zs) cannot say I am faceless, I am leaderless, I am tribeless. If you are convinced of what you are saying, why would you find it difficult to say I am here and this is what I mean?” Kuria challenged during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night.
The CS highlighted the upcoming elections as a crucial opportunity for Gen Z to enact change, either by seeking leadership roles themselves or voting out those deemed unsuitable. He stressed the importance of organization, suggesting that the youth form entities with clear structures to effectively push their agendas.
“These people want to replace us in government. If you are not going to turn up today to talk, to have a face, to have a leader, or an organization or political party, how else are you going to get that power? It is totally illusionary,” Kuria asserted.
In addition to his challenge to Gen Z, Kuria expressed support for the proposed national dialogue under the multi-sectoral forum, as announced by President William Ruto. He emphasized the necessity of dialogue to resolve the country’s issues and criticized those who dismiss the importance of leaders willing to engage in conversations.
“There comes a time and this is the moment that we have to talk to each other and not at each other. Why would anyone on earth have a problem with dialogue? People dialogue all the time,” Kuria stated.
The CS underscored the misconception that dialogue equates to conceding power, urging the youth to embrace discussions as a means to drive their desired outcomes. “I don’t know why in this country dialogue is synonymous with handshake. Gen Z has been telling us we are not listening. Not listening means dialogue,” he clarified.
Kuria’s call to action is a significant moment for Kenya’s youth, as it challenges them to harness their energy and passion into organized movements that can effectively influence the country’s future. His message resonates with the broader sentiment that meaningful change requires more than just online activism; it necessitates tangible, structured efforts.
As Kenya approaches another election cycle, the role of Gen Z will be pivotal. Their ability to organize and present a united front could shape the political landscape, making Kuria’s challenge not just timely but crucial for the country’s democratic evolution.
