Global Gen Z Rises: Protests Signal a new Era of Youth-Led Activism
NAIROBI, Kenya – From Kenya’s streets to classrooms across the globe, a new wave of activism is surging, led by Generation Z. Armed with smartphones, social media savvy, and a determination for systemic change, young people are directly confronting their governments over issues ranging from economic hardship and political corruption to climate change and social injustice. This burgeoning movement marks a significant shift in the landscape of political engagement, with observers noting a level of organization and long-term vision rarely seen in previous generations.
This rise in youth-led protests isn’t simply a reaction to immediate crises; it represents a essential re-evaluation of the status quo. Affected by economic instability, political polarization, and the looming threat of climate disaster, Gen Z is demanding accountability and shaping a new political narrative. The stakes are high – the future of governance, economic systems, and the planet itself are being debated and redefined by this digitally connected and increasingly vocal generation.
Kìhuria Wa Ndorongo, a 30-year-old kenyan “freelance social media blogger” and university graduate still seeking full-time employment, embodies this shift. He participates in ongoing youth protests, carrying a water bottle and Kenyan flag as symbols of peaceful resistance.”I feel proud of my country that finally the youth are taking charge of affairs,” Ndorongo says. “Becuase in the past, the older generation were the ones who were shaping the narrative, the political conversation, but now, the youth took up the issues in their own hands.”
The Kenyan protests, fueled by rising living costs and controversial tax hikes, are part of a broader global trend. Across the world,Gen Z is leveraging digital tools to organize,mobilize,and amplify their voices.
“Our generation got it good, in a way, because we are a part of a more global, digital world so we are focused and informed, and communicating with each other,” explains Lebanese activist Layla Badih. “we know how to get long-term systemic improvements rather than just emotional reactions. we want change.”
This focus on systemic change, coupled with a elegant understanding of digital interaction, distinguishes Gen Z’s activism. Unlike previous generations who often relied on traditional media outlets, this generation bypasses gatekeepers and builds movements directly through social media platforms, fostering a sense of collective agency and accelerating the pace of change.
