Gen Zs Push for National Dialogue: “Our Voices Must Shape Kenya’s Future”
Speaking on behalf of Gen Zs from all 47 counties, the association emphasized the urgent need to address challenges such as unemployment, high cost of living, poor governance, and lack of education access.
“The recent wave of protests across Kenya reflects the deep frustration of young people,” stated Derrick Odinga, ACSAPK Secretary. “While these demonstrations have amplified youth voices, they have also led to unrest, division, and loss.“
Call for a Youth-Government Taskforce
ACSAPK now wants the president to form a National Youth Dialogue Taskforce and appoint a government liaison to work directly with youth leaders.
“Kenya’s youth are the heartbeat of this nation, and their voices must shape its future,” said another ACSAPK representative. “We call upon President William Ruto to endorse the taskforce and officially recognize ACSAPK as a key stakeholder.”
Their proposal seeks a structured conversation—not just empty promises—to find alternatives to destructive protests.
Youth Deaths and Demand for Change
The call for dialogue follows deadly confrontations between Gen Zs and police, especially during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Protests led by young people have cost lives, including Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died in police custody. His funeral in Homa Bay turned into a rallying point. Youth present vowed to march on Saba Saba Day, July 7, in his honor.
Rejecting Labels: “We’re Not Leaderless”
Despite some youths rejecting structured dialogue, ACSAPK insisted Gen Zs aren’t truly leaderless.
“We are not against the government, but against injustice,” one youth leader said. “We reject those who try to hijack our voice for political gain.”
Their stance is clear—they want genuine change, not political manipulation.
Charlene Ruto Responds
Amid the tensions, Charlene Ruto, the President’s daughter, criticized the youth’s protest tactics.
“There is no nation that will ever benefit from encouraging division, be it generational, tribal, or even racial,” she said.
She urged Gen Zs to pursue more constructive methods of engagement and abandon hate-driven approaches.
What’s Next?
Will President Ruto seize this moment to unite with the youth—or risk deepening a generational divide?
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Gen Zs Push for National Dialogue: “Our Voices Must Shape Kenya’s Future”
