By Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)edrisadvocates@gmail.com //www.edrisomondi.com
Of recent times, Kenyan policymakers have floated the idea of regulating social media as a means to curb misinformation, online activism, and what some call “unproductive online behavior.”
However, these conversations often ignore a vital truth: Kenya’s Generation Z—the most active social media demographic—is not a problem to be silenced.
They are an untapped resource, full of creativity, energy, and digital fluency.
Instead of tightening controls, the government and private sector should focus on channeling Gen Z’s digital engagement into economic opportunities and job creation.
The Rise of Gen Z Digital Natives
Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z Kenyans have grown up in the era of mobile internet, memes, online activism, TikTok challenges, and digital communities.
They are fluent in navigating digital landscapes, using social media not just for entertainment, but also for learning, self-expression, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Whether it’s a viral TikTok dance that sells a product, a thread on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting social injustices, or a YouTube vlog that showcases hidden travel gems in Kenya, Gen Z is constantly creating, curating, and influencing.
This is not idle behavior—it’s digital labor with cultural and sometimes financial value.
The Flawed Approach of Regulation
Attempts to regulate social media often come cloaked in the language of “national security,” “morality,” or “protecting the youth.”
While it’s true that online spaces need moderation to prevent cyberbullying, fraud, and misinformation, sweeping regulations risk stifling free expression and shutting down platforms where youth have found voice and identity.
More worryingly, such regulation can be a way to avoid confronting the deeper economic issues facing young people: unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to meaningful economic participation.
Rethinking the Role of Social Media
Rather than framing social media as a threat, Kenya must reimagine it as a tool for economic empowerment. There are several ways to achieve this:
1. Digital Skills Training: Kenya can invest in scalable digital training programs targeting youth. Content creation, digital marketing, coding, graphic design, and e-commerce are just a few of the skills Gen Z are already exploring informally—why not formalize and support these with structured education?
2. Creative Economy Support: Social media influencers, digital storytellers, artists, and podcasters are part of the growing creative economy. With better policy frameworks, funding, and access to global markets, these talents can translate into full-time jobs and even exportable services.
3. Innovation Hubs & Incubators: County Governments like Kisumu that have already made head-on incubators can be further supported. Private sector players should support innovation hubs that mentor and fund youth-led startups. Many Gen Z entrepreneurs are already using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to launch businesses in fashion, beauty, agriculture, and tech.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: The government can partner with tech companies like Afridata to launch initiatives that create jobs, promote digital literacy, and support online safety without limiting freedom of expression.
A Generation of Change-Makers
Kenya’s Gen Z is not apathetic or a collection of mental delinquents.
They have been exposed through the best of our educational system, vertically guiding their mental growth and horizontally grounding them for self-employment and prepared to confront a future that is AI generated.
They care deeply about justice, identity, climate, entrepreneurship, and the future of this great County called Kenya, their patriotic inclined habitat.
We’ve seen them lead online movements like #EndFemicideKE, push for accountability in governance, and champion homegrown brands. Their energy is not the problem—it is the solution; the question is how we as a nation direct this energy from ‘sulfurizing the social media hubris’ to give this nation a desirous output!
The future of work is digital, and Kenya is well-positioned to lead in Africa if it leverages its youthful population.
Social media should be seen not as a battlefield, but as a bridge—one that connects Kenyan youth to the world, amplifies their voices, and unlocks economic potential.
Conclusion
Regulating social media may offer a temporary illusion of control, but it will not solve the real issues facing Kenya’s youth.
What is needed is vision—a commitment to building systems that recognize and support the digital ambitions of Gen Z.
By investing in their energy and digital talent, Kenya won’t just avoid conflict; it will create jobs, stimulate innovation, and secure a prosperous future.
When Kenya Leads, the rest of Africa Policy makers easily plagiarize the Gen-Z social platform solutions.
The solution is not in deterrence but progressive realization of technology and its ability to transform lives positively.
