Young Kenyans lead the way, and Africa stands with them

Kananelo Boloetse

Last month, in May, I found myself in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, attending the 2024 edition of the AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit, organised by AllAfrica Global Media.

My last visit to Nairobi was five years ago, in May 2019, for the Digital Communication Network (DCN) Africa and World Learning’s Business of Truth Forum. That event, held at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, focused on the latest developments in journalism and the transformative power of digital information technologies on communication and societal behaviour.

Returning to Nairobi after half a decade, I was amased by the remarkable development that had taken place.

This year’s Media Leaders Summit was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, a bustling business district that has grown rapidly. I stayed at the nearby Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill, as Radisson Blu was fully booked.

Every morning, I walked from my hotel on Kenya Road, down Kilimanjaro Road, and crossed Elgon Road to reach the Radisson Blu. I could not help but notice the street vendors selling food along Kilimanjaro Road.

This juxtaposition of poverty and opulence troubled me deeply. This street, the vendors and their customers, felt like an island of poverty surrounded by a sea of wealth, a stark display of inequality that seemed a ticking time bomb.

When I heard this week about the violent clashes between police and protestors in Nairobi over a controversial finance bill, I was not surprised. Social media was flooded with chaotic scenes of protestors being tear-gassed, and a journalist left bloodied after being hit directly by a canister.

Reports indicated that parliament had been sealed off, with roads around it blocked as lawmakers debated the Finance Bill inside.

The anger over proposed tax hikes in Kenya, a nation grappling with rising living costs, is palpable.

Maseru, though much smaller and less affluent than Nairobi, also feels the impact of high living costs. I empathise with the Kenyans’ plight, as we too in Maseru experience similar struggles.

A media report stated: “The Occupy Parliament protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday marked a significant turning point in the history of civil demonstrations in Kenya. Digitally planned, physically executed, and predominantly led by the witty Gen Z, these protests showcased a fierce determination to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2024.”

As I read these stories, I wondered if young people in Lesotho would have the courage to do what the young Kenyans are doing. Let me be clear—I am not advocating for violence.

However, the kind of development I saw in Nairobi last month is something to aspire to. If even a fraction of those developments occurred in Maseru, our youth would likely praise the government endlessly, and would not voice any dissent.

Basotho are easily impressionable; a single pothole filled can result in a month of accolades for the government, overshadowing other ongoing issues that deserve criticism.

Yet, the youth of Kenya have set a powerful example. Their courage and determination in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. They have shown that it is possible to demand better from those in power, to strive for a fairer, more just society.

They have not allowed themselves to be silenced or pacified by the developments happening in their country. They understand that while it is indeed the duty of the government to facilitate and bring about developmental progress for its citizens, this should not be seen as a reason to halt their demands for more equitable and inclusive growth.

In stark contrast, young people in Lesotho seem pacified by relatively minor improvements such as the fixing of street lights and the installation of new lights on their capital city’s derelict buildings.

While these developments are undoubtedly important, they should not overshadow the broader and more pressing issues that continue to affect our daily lives.

In Lesotho, the youth appear to settle for these incremental changes, viewing them as significant achievements. This pacification creates a complacent attitude where fundamental issues like economic inequality, access to quality education, healthcare, and comprehensive infrastructure development are overshadowed by smaller, more visible improvements.

However, young citizens in Kenya are acutely aware that the existence of new infrastructure, improved services, or economic advancements should not overshadow the persistent issues that still affect many in their daily lives.

They recognise that true progress is not just about the physical manifestations of development, but also about ensuring that the benefits of such progress are accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society.

The young Kenyans are exercising their right to hold their leaders accountable, reminding them that governance is an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous improvement and responsiveness to the people’s needs.

This is a lesson for all of Africa: to stand up, to speak out, and to work collectively towards a brighter future.

In Maseru, and across the continent, we must take note. We must learn from our Kenyan brothers and sisters, embracing their spirit of resilience and their drive for change.

Africa stands with you, young Kenyans. Your fight is our fight, and your success will pave the way for a better tomorrow for us all.

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