Protests led by youthful, politically diverse, and digitally connected populace are a growing challenge for leaders in today’s political environments.
The demonstrations of Generation Z, a faceless, leaderless, and tribally dispersed group, present both opportunities and special challenges for President Ruto of Kenya. The aforementioned protests have surfaced in reaction to various grievances and the already withdrawn finance bill.
To effectively engage Gen Z, it is imperative to comprehend their traits. These are some traits and tactics President Ruto can use to deal with and handle these protests.
Features of Generation Z
Generation Z has the following features.
Digital Natives
Generation Z has grown up with social media, smartphones, and the internet. They know how to use technology well for advocacy, organization, and communication.
Value Authenticity
Openness and sincerity are important to this generation. They seek sincere participation from institutions and leaders and are quick to spot insincerity.
Socially Conscious
Gen Z has a strong awareness of environmental, social, and economic issues. They support equality, climate action, and social justice.
Diverse and Inclusive
Gen Z rejects conventional tribal or political identities in favor of variety and inclusivity. In every sphere of life, they strive for equity and representation.
Strategies for Engagement
President Ruto may use the following tactics to engage with Gen Z.
Encourage a Culture of Listening.
Creating an environment where listening is valued is arguably the most important tactic. Generation Z desires to be understood and heard. President Ruto may show that he genuinely cares about them by paying attention to their complaints, accepting their viewpoints, and displaying empathy. This strategy can diffuse conflict and open the door for cooperative problem-solving.
Have Open Conversations
President Ruto should give open and honest communication with Gen Z demonstrators first priority in order to foster understanding and trust. One way to close the communication gap between the government and the youth is to use social media and other channels for in-the-moment conversations. Channels for deep involvement can be established via holding online town halls, holding Q&A sessions, and working with influencers.
Discuss Economic Issues
Economic dissatisfaction is one of the main causes of the protests. Economic policies affecting Gen Z’s employment prospects, cost of living, and future financial security disproportionately affect them. To allay these worries, President Ruto needs to present a concise, doable economic strategy. This could include programs that foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and provide educational opportunities that are relevant to the digital economy.
Utilise Technology to Promote Open Governance
Gen Z is skilled at advocating for change and organising via technology. Using the same technology, President Ruto can improve accountability and openness in government. Establishing e-governance tools that let people monitor the execution of policies, the distribution of funds, and the provision of public services can increase confidence and decrease disinformation
Encourage Diversity and Inclusivity
Gen Z is a tribeless generation that wants representation and inclusivity in politics. President Ruto needs to make sure that his administration actively includes youth in decision-making processes and that it reflects the different demographics of Kenya. A commitment to diversity can be shown by establishing youth advisory committees and assigning young people to important roles.
Strengthen Civic Education
A strong democracy requires an informed citizenry. In order to educate young people about their rights, obligations, and the political system, President Ruto ought to fund civic education programs. This will enable Generation Z to interact positively with the government and support national development initiatives.
Focus on Climate and Social Justice.
Pay attention to social justice and the climate. Gen Z is known throughout the world for taking a firm stand on social justice and climate change issues. In order to allay these worries, President Ruto should prioritize social justice, environmental preservation, and sustainable development initiatives. This environmentally concerned generation will support policies that prioritize waste reduction, social inclusion, and renewable energy.
Conclusion
In summary Handling protests from a faceless, leaderless, and tribeless Generation Z calls for a sophisticated strategy that puts conversation, openness, and inclusivity first. President Ruto has the ability to transform possible confrontations into chances for positive involvement and the advancement of the country by attending to their economic, social, and environmental issues. Adopting these tactics will not only help to quell the current upheaval but also fortify Kenya’s democracy for upcoming generations
