How are Kenyans using digital space on this movement?
This is a very important moment for digital activism. The protests have involved many young Kenyans who’re using digital media to prepare and voice their opposition. Many of those leading the protests are Generation Z (sometimes called Gen Z) – people born between the late Nineteen Nineties and early 2010s who marked by digital savvy and social awareness. They have created this organic grassroots movement that uses platforms like social media to quickly mobilize and coordinate their efforts.
Through my work I actually have documented how vital digital media has been for political participation in Kenya over the past decade, particularly amongst marginalized populations similar to young people and ladies.
With the present protests, we’re seeing how progressive activists might be when using digital media. The digital tools and techniques getting used today are taking activism to a complete recent level, with a sophistication and reach that was hard to assume.
They have used a variety of old and recent strategies.
Innovations include artificial intelligence (AI), which is used to create images, songs and videos to amplify the movement's messages and reach a wider audience.
AI was also used to tell a wider audience concerning the bill. Developers, for instance specialized GPT created (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models to reply questions on financial law.
On platforms like TikTok and X, videos are being shared of individuals explaining financial law in numerous Kenyan dialects.
Hashtags similar to #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024 trended on social media platforms for several days, underscoring the ability of digital activism in mobilizing support and maintaining the momentum of the protests.
And then there was very successful crowdfunding through digital platforms. This has enabled supporters to Send money for transportwhich allowed more people to take part in the protests in Nairobi's central business district.
Another reason is using hacking programs for Government web sitesDisturbances of worship and to attract attention to the reason behind them.
Personal information similar to politicians' phone numbers were shared in order that protesters could spam them with SMS and WhatsApp messages. The Information Commissioner's Office was forced to issue an announcement urging protesters to stop.
Activists have also created a web site with a “Wall of Shame” listing politicians who support the finance bill. This helped protesters increase pressure on parliamentarians to potentially change their stance. Some voters are taking steps to recall their representatives.
What did you notice?
That these protests are organic and that young people play a central role. They have long felt that depressed And neglected by the federal government. This widespread feeling of disempowerment amongst them was a ticking time bomb that eventually changed into passionate activism.
Unlike previous protests, these demonstrations arose spontaneously from the grassroots. This shift underscores a major shift in Kenyan politics. We are witnessing a shift from ethnically motivated mobilization to issue-based activism. People aren’t any longer banding together based on their tribal affiliation. They are uniting to fight for concrete issues that affect their each day lives, similar to economic policy, government accountability and social justice.
This recent type of activism reflects a growing political maturity amongst Kenyans who’re putting common concerns above ethnic divisions. It sets a brand new precedent for addressing social and political issues within the country.
Photo by LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images
What can also be striking is how digital activism has sparked physical protests across the country. Young people have left their screens and brought to the streets, forcing politicians to take heed to them and even Changes to the Finance Act before it was passed. This shows how online efforts can result in real-world change. It demonstrates the ability and effectiveness of digital activism in shaping political discourse and policy.
Digital activism provides a strong platform for diverse voices to be heard and create change. It enables rapid mobilization of support, bridges divides between disparate groups, and draws attention to pressing issues in real time.
For a few years, digital media activism was known as “Slacktivism“, a term that refers to minimal-effort activities similar to liking, sharing or commenting online which can be believed to have little impact on the actual world.
However, recent events show that policymakers can succumb to online pressure. They reveal that even small changes initiated online can result in significant results.
Are there any disadvantages to using digital space for activism?
Digital media is vulnerable to government censorship and interference.
The recent protests in Kenya saw Suspected signs Internet speed slows down, leading to increased buffering, delays in downloading files, and disruptions in service for certain apps.
Despite these challenges, the impact of digital activism can’t be underestimated. It has revolutionized the best way people mobilize, communicate and advocate for change.
