Skip to main content

Reflections: Millennials - A Generation that Paved the Way

The recent wave of political and civil movements in Kenya has brought to light a perception that millennials have played a limited role. However, this is a misconception. We are a generation that has experienced a significant transition. We often identify ourselves as a generation striving to create opportunities for a better world, even while grappling with the realities of a flawed system.

While it may seem that our contributions are insignificant, the truth is far from it. How do you quantify our role in the AI digital revolution? How do you measure the impact of our storytelling that has moved a generation? How do you gauge the influence of our subtle yet powerful media-driven calls to action? We have played a crucial role in redefining family values, questioning sociocultural ambiguities, and advocating for good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Take our work at Forezava, for instance. We meticulously document every digital footprint and ensure transparency in all transactions, despite numerous challenges. This is just one example of how our generation has contributed to the creation of open civil spaces, not just in Kenya, but globally. We have debated, protested, and faced arrests, often without any formal recognition.

Now, we witness the rise of two new generations: Gen Z and Gen Alpha. They operate on a different wavelength, challenging the norms we reluctantly adhered to. Their revolutionary spirit is rooted in the belief that "there's nothing you can tell me that I don't already know." While they sometimes speak from a place of ignorance, more often than not, they research and verify information before forming opinions.

Although we may not take credit for this generational shift, it is undeniable that we laid the groundwork for their liberal approach. As we move forward, it is essential to support and nurture their growth with care and positive intentions.

Millennials and Baby Boomers have set the stage for what we see today: a generation unafraid to make their voices heard. The recent march to the Kenyan parliament, where hundreds of thousands of youths made a powerful statement, is a testament to the legacy we have created. This movement sparked significant conversations both locally and internationally, showcasing the profound impact of our collective efforts.

As we reflect on our journey, let's celebrate the progress we've made and continue to foster an environment where future generations can thrive and effect change.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

No Opportunities? Or just lazy, entitled Youth...

Yesterday, I rode a bicycle for over 25 kilometers . Not on some fancy cycling trail or in a city marathon, but through the rugged countryside, under a sky that seemed determined to drown me. The heavens opened wide, the rain poured, and within minutes, I was soaked to the bone. Mud splashed with every turn of the wheel, my legs burned, and every car that passed left me looking more like a stray dog than a man with purpose. Why endure all this? Because I was headed to meet a group of talented young people —people I have worked with for months, helping them shape ideas around technology and the lot into real enterprises. It was their meeting. They set it up. They picked the time. They picked the place. I showed up, dripping wet, hungry, exhausted… and alone (mostly). No calls. No messages. No apologies. Just silence. And yet, when the dust—or rather mud—settles, these are the same young people who will look at society and claim, “There are no opportunities for us.” The Myth of Limit...

So What Next, They Ask? Empowering the Kenyan Youth: The Path Forward After the Gen Z Revolutio n

The dust is slowly settling. After weeks of an unforeseen protests, which will go down in Kenya's history, we can all agree that things will never be the same again. Revolutions have occurred in this country, but none reached the level that Gen Z has driven us to. Or is it just momentary excitement? As active participants in this particular revolution, young people are being asked: what’s next? While the question sounds honest and well-intentioned, it echoes old narratives. Who will you crown to represent you in the upcoming cabinet nominations? Who will be your voice of reason within the corridors of power? What will you intentionally bring as suggestions, only to be heard and ignored in the dialogue forums? While this uproar has shaken power to its core, those who wield it are exploring all possibilities to retain it. They will lure the most vicious protesters into unsaid traps. They will create spaces for the most popular on digital platforms. Slowly but surely, they will brand ...

From Grassroots to Greatness: Meet Mercy Kasaya, The Political Scientist Empowering the Next Generation within Rural Vihiga County

Some people wait for change to arrive. Others, like Mercy Kasaya, roll up their sleeves and go find it in the trenches of their own community. Meet Mercy—a fiery Political Science graduate from Maseno University who isn’t just studying leadership from textbooks. She’s living it. Breathing it. Fighting for it. And she’s doing it all at the grassroots level, one conversation, one sanitary pad, and one rescued dream at a time. The "What" – Rewriting the Rules of Advocacy Mercy doesn’t wait for a title to lead. Her office is the community. Her tools? Empathy, education, and relentless action. Here’s what she’s doing right now to shake things up: For the Boys:   Mercy is on a mission to pull young men back from the edge. She runs hard-hitting mentorship sessions focused on one thing: breaking the grip of drug and substance abuse. She teaches discipline, resilience, and purpose-driven living—giving boys a roadmap away from addiction and toward a future they can be proud of. For th...