How the Kenyan Gen Z protests ushered in a new way of demanding accountability and transparency

How the Kenyan Gen Z protests ushered in a new way of demanding accountability and transparency

By Esther Musembi, via bird story agency A pink-coloured water canon is aimed at the protestors who are shouting ‘haki yetu, haki yetu’ (our right! our right!). Quickly dispersed by the high-pressure water and teargas, one group starts to sing the Kenya National anthem waving small Kenyan flags. The images are soon trending across most social media platforms and before the day is out, make headlines […]

July 25, 2024 36

Africa

Kenya police say over 270 arrested for criminal acts during Tuesday protests

Kenyan police said they have arrested more than 270 people masquerading as protesters who are suspected of going on a criminal rampage during anti-government rallies on Tuesday. Widespread looting and property damage was reported during the youth-led demonstrations in various cities across the country, which some protesters said had been infiltrated by "goons". "Security forces across the country singled out suspects found engaging in criminal activities in […]

July 3, 2024 33

Science & Technology

Rise of digital activism in Africa as smartphone adoption surges

By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency From just making calls, to taking pictures and light browsing, to engaging in e-commerce transactions to, recently, engaging in digital activism, the way Africans are engaging with their smartphones is fast evolving. This is happening against the backdrop of a surge in smartphone usage across the continent, according to three recent reports. Three different reports show that […]

July 3, 2024 49

Africa

Kenya protests: Gen Z shows the power of digital activism – driving change from screens to the streets

By Job Mwaura, University of the Witwatersrand Nationwide demonstrations have erupted in Kenya over a controversial tax bill. The Finance Bill 2024, initially presented to parliament in May, has sparked discontent with an increase in an array of taxes and levies for Kenyans. The mass protests, initially organised in the capital city, Nairobi, have spread across the country. Demonstrations have taken place in […]

June 24, 2024 53