The Gen Z Effect: Transforming Political Awareness in the 21st Century

Generation Z's rise in Kenya and Bangladesh represents a profound societal shift, characterised by unprecedented political awareness and a fervent commitment to civic engagement. This demographic, broadly defined as individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, has emerged as a formidable force, challenging established political norms and rattling the entrenched political classes in both nations. Their digital native status and exposure to global information flows have equipped them with tools and perspectives that differentiate them significantly from previous generations, leading to a redefinition of political participation and a heightened demand for accountability and good governance.

The political awakening of Gen Z in Kenya and Bangladesh is not merely an anecdotal observation but a phenomenon supported by various studies and real-world events. In Kenya, the youth, a significant portion of whom are Gen Z, have historically been a demographic often mobilised during elections but largely sidelined in governance. However, recent years have seen a marked departure from this trend. The #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in Kenya are a quintessential example of Gen Z's collective power and ability to organise rapidly and effectively outside traditional political structures. These protests, primarily driven by young people, demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of economic policy and a willingness to directly confront government decisions that were detrimental to their future. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram were instrumental in mobilising thousands, disseminating information, and shaping public opinion, bypassing mainstream media that might have been perceived as biased or slow to react. The sheer scale and intensity of these demonstrations caught the government off guard, forcing a reconsideration of the proposed finance bill and highlighting the disconnect between the ruling elite and the aspirations of the youth. This incident underscored a critical shift: Gen Z is not content with merely voting; they demand a seat at the table and active participation in policy-making. Their protests were not just about the finance bill; they were a broader statement against corruption, economic inequality, and a political system perceived as unresponsive and self-serving. The government's initial heavy-handed response, including arrests and attempts to discredit the movement, only fueled further defiance, demonstrating the resilience and determination of this generation.

Similarly, in Bangladesh, Gen Z has been at the forefront of various movements demanding social justice, better governance, and accountability. The Road Safety Movement of 2018 (also known as the "Safe Road Movement") stands out as a pivotal moment where students, predominantly Gen Z, took to the streets en masse following the tragic deaths of two students in a road accident. This movement, initially focused on road safety, quickly morphed into a broader protest against systemic corruption, lawlessness, and the perceived impunity of influential individuals. The students' organised protests, meticulous documentation of traffic violations, and demands for immediate reforms resonated deeply with the public. Like their Kenyan counterparts, Bangladeshi Gen Z utilised social media extensively to coordinate, share information, and expose injustices, effectively circumventing state-controlled media narratives. The government's response, characterised by crackdowns, arrests, and the deployment of ruling party cadres to confront protesters, revealed the discomfort of the political establishment with this new form of youth activism. Though eventually suppressed, the movement left an indelible mark, demonstrating the potential for youth-led movements to challenge the status quo and expose the vulnerabilities of authoritarian tendencies. Furthermore, the Quota Reform Movement in Bangladesh, which preceded the Road Safety Movement, also saw significant participation from Gen Z, demanding reforms in the government's civil service recruitment quota system, which they viewed as discriminatory and a barrier to meritocracy. These movements collectively illustrate a generation unwilling to accept the political realities handed down, actively seeking to shape their future.

The political class in Kenya and Bangladesh, accustomed to a more predictable political landscape where dissent could be managed through traditional channels or suppressed with relative ease, found themselves ill-equipped to handle the decentralised, digitally-driven, and often leaderless nature of Gen Z protests. The traditional tools of political control – state media propaganda, co-optation of youth leaders, or even outright repression proved less effective against a generation that communicates in encrypted chats, organises through viral hashtags, and draws strength from a global solidarity network. The speed with which information, including images and videos of police brutality or government misconduct, could be disseminated globally put immense pressure on governments to respond transparently and accountably, often forcing them to backtrack on initial denials or justifications.

The civic education of Gen Z, while perhaps not always formal, has been profoundly shaped by their access to information and their lived experiences. Unlike previous generations who might have relied solely on state-sanctioned curricula or traditional media to understand civic duties and rights, Gen Z has grown up in an era of unprecedented information saturation. They are exposed to global political movements, human rights discourse, and diverse perspectives from a young age. This exposure, coupled with their innate curiosity and critical thinking skills, has fostered a deep understanding of democratic principles, human rights, and the importance of good governance. They are acutely aware of the disparities between the promises of democracy and the realities of corruption, inequality, and injustice in their countries. This awareness fuels their activism, transforming abstract concepts of civic duty into concrete demands for change. For instance, the discussions around the "cost of living crisis" in Kenya, a major driver of the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, were not just about economic hardship but also about the perceived mismanagement of public funds and the lack of accountability from elected officials. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the demands for "justice for all" during the Road Safety Movement transcended mere traffic laws, touching upon deeper issues of the rule of law and accountability for those in power.

The governments' reactions to the rise of Gen Z activism have been varied but often characterised by an initial underestimation, followed by attempts at suppression, and in some cases, a grudging acknowledgement of their power. In Kenya, the government's initial response to the finance bill protests involved dismissing the protesters as misinformed or politically manipulated. However, as the protests gained momentum and international attention, the narrative shifted, leading to the eventual withdrawal of the most contentious clauses of the bill. This demonstrated a reluctant concession to public pressure, a testament to the power of sustained youth mobilisation. The government also attempted to identify and target key organisers, highlighting the traditional political class's difficulty in understanding a movement that is often decentralised and leaderless. The use of digital tools by the government to monitor and potentially disrupt protests also became evident, leading to a cat-and-mouse game between activists and state security agencies.

In Bangladesh, the government's response to youth movements has often been more severe, reflecting a less tolerant political environment. The use of force, mass arrests, and the targeting of online activists have been documented during various protests. For instance, the Digital Security Act (DSA) in Bangladesh has been widely criticised by human rights organisations for being used to stifle dissent and target online speech, including young activists. This legislative tool, while ostensibly aimed at combating cybercrime, has been weaponised to silence critical voices, including those from Gen Z who use social media to express their political views or organise protests. The government's attempts to control the narrative through state-sponsored media and by discrediting activists have also been observed. However, even in the face of such repression, Gen Z's determination to speak truth to power has not waned, often finding new ways to organise and express their grievances. The resilience of these young activists in the face of adversity underscores their deep commitment to their causes.

The effects of Gen Z's political awakening are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, there has been a redefinition of political participation. For Gen Z, political engagement extends beyond voting in elections. It encompasses online activism, boycotts, peaceful protests, and creative forms of expression to convey their messages. This broader definition challenges the traditional understanding of political engagement and forces political parties and institutions to adapt. Secondly, there has been an increased demand for transparency and accountability. Having grown up in an era of readily available information, Gen Z is less tolerant of opaque governance and corruption. They demand to know how public funds are spent, how decisions are made, and why promises are not kept. Their ability to quickly fact-check information and expose discrepancies puts immense pressure on governments to be more transparent. The use of social media to document instances of corruption or police brutality has made it harder for authorities to deny or cover up wrongdoing.

Thirdly, Gen Z's activism has focused more on specific policy issues than just broad ideological stances. Their protests often centre on tangible issues like economic hardship, environmental degradation, or social injustice, forcing political discourse to move beyond rhetoric and address concrete problems. For example, focusing on the specifics of the finance bill in Kenya or the details of road safety regulations in Bangladesh demonstrates a pragmatic approach to political engagement. Fourthly, there has been a disruption of traditional power structures. The decentralised nature of Gen Z movements, often lacking a single charismatic leader, makes them difficult for governments to co-opt or dismantle. This challenges the hierarchical structures of traditional politics and empowers ordinary citizens to become agents of change. The ability of a hashtag to mobilise thousands without a formal organisational structure is a testament to this disruption.

Fifthly, the rise of Gen Z has highlighted the intergenerational gap in political understanding and priorities. The political class, often dominated by older generations, struggles to comprehend the motivations, communication styles, and priorities of Gen Z. This disconnect can lead to miscalculations in policy-making and a failure to address the concerns of a significant portion of the population. The perception of being unheard or ignored further fuels Gen Z's frustration and activism. Sixthly, there has been an increased scrutiny of human rights and democratic freedoms. The crackdowns on protests and the use of repressive laws against activists have drawn international attention to human rights situations in both countries. This external pressure, often amplified by Gen Z's digital advocacy, can impact government behaviour and international relations.

Finally, the long-term effect is a potential reshaping of the political landscape. As Gen Z matures and enters positions of greater influence, their values and priorities will likely become more deeply embedded in the political system. This could lead to a more progressive, inclusive, and accountable form of governance in the future. However, this transition will not be without challenges, as entrenched interests and traditional power brokers will likely resist these changes. The ongoing struggle between the aspirations of Gen Z and the resistance of the political class will continue to define the political trajectories of Kenya and Bangladesh in the coming years. The equation for the impact of Gen Z's political awareness (PA) on Political Class(PC) can be conceptualised as:

PA= (IA*DC*SM)÷RG

Where, IA = Information Access, (which is high for Gen Z)

DC=Digital Connectivity (which is high for Gen Z)

SM=Social mobilisation (which is high for Gen Z)

RG=Government Repression (can mitigate but often fuels further resistance)

This equation suggests that the political awareness of Gen Z, amplified by their digital prowess and capacity for social mobilisation, exerts significant pressure on the political class, with government repression acting as a counter-force that can either suppress or inadvertently strengthen the movement. The future of governance in Kenya and Bangladesh will undoubtedly be shaped by this dynamic generation's continued activism and evolving influence.