Through platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram, young Kenyans have amplified conversations on police accountability, corruption, constitutionalism and human rights. Their online activism has redefined public participation, often setting the national agenda and holding leaders accountable in real time.

Yet, beneath this vibrant advocacy lies a troubling paradox: while Gen Z champions freedom and good governance, voter turnout among young people in by-elections across the country has remained notably low. This contradiction raises an important question: Can a generation truly transform governance if it disengages from the ballot box?

Gen Z’s political engagement is undeniably different from that of previous generations. Unlike their parents, who expressed civic participation primarily through rallies and party affiliations, today’s youth leverage digital tools to mobilize, educate and protest. Online petitions trend within hours.

Government missteps are dissected instantly. Public pressure mounts quickly and sometimes forces institutional responses. This new model of participation is dynamic and accessible, especially in urban centres and university spaces.

However, elections remain the backbone of Kenya’s democratic framework. The Constitution provides that sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised directly or through elected representatives. 

When by-elections record dismal youth turnout, it signals a gap between activism and institutional participation. While social media creates awareness, only voting converts that awareness into formal political power.

Several factors explain this disconnect. First, there is widespread disillusionment with political elites. Many young Kenyans feel that elections recycle the same faces under different party banners. Secondly, economic hardship has fostered survival-focused priorities; attending a by-election may not seem urgent when unemployment and the high cost of living dominate daily life. 

Thirdly, skepticism about electoral integrity discourages participation, especially when previous electoral cycles have been marred by disputes.

Nonetheless, withdrawing from the electoral process carries consequences. When youth abstain, decisions are shaped by older and often more consistent voting blocs. Policies affecting education funding, digital taxation, job creation and innovation are then determined without substantial youth input. Silence at the ballot empowers others to decide on their behalf.

The Gen Z movement has already demonstrated its capacity to influence governance debates. Its courage in confronting excesses and demanding transparency signals democratic maturity. Yet, sustainable reform requires a fusion of digital activism and electoral participation. 

Voting in by-elections  often dismissed as minor political events  is equally significant because it shapes representation at local levels where service delivery is most tangible.

Kenya stands at a generational crossroads. The same energy that trends hashtags can transform polling stations. The same voices that demand accountability online can institutionalize change through consistent voting. For Gen Z to cement its legacy as champions of freedom and human rights, it must translate passion into ballots.

While speaking during the burial of Mr Benard Mwangangi,  a retired Director of Planning in Garissa  County, Mwingi Municipal Manager Mr Alex Mutemi said residents have a role to play in the fight against cancer.   "We should not always wait for the government to come in and help us. Let us take proactive steps in seeking early treatment to prevent unnecessary deaths", said Mutemi while addressing mourners at Mbauni Village.   

Mr Mutemi assured residents that Governor Julius Malombe administration was addressing the cancer menace. "A fully equipped and operational cancer centre has been established at Kitui Level IV Hospital, and plans are underway to set up a similar facility at Mwingi Level IV Hospital ", he said.

According to the Ministry of Health, cancer was the third leading cause of death in Kenya in 2018 after infectious and cardiovascular diseases."70-80% of cancer patients in Kenya are diagnosed at an advanced disease when it is not amenable to cure", observed the then Health CS Mrs Sicily Kariuki in a 120 page report titled; National Cancer Screening Guidelines available on the website of the National Cancer Institute.

The party contends that its wins in Muminji and Evurore wards have reshaped the political landscape of the assembly, giving it grounds to demand additional nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

With the latest triumphs, UDA now boasts 16 MCAs in the Embu County Assembly, effectively making it the majority party in the House and strengthening its legislative influence.

Party insiders argue that nomination seats are distributed based on proportional representation, meaning any increase in elected members must automatically trigger a recalculation of the allocation formula.

Speaking on behalf of UDA, party lawyer Dr. Adrian Kamotho emphasized that the law governing nomination slots is clear and must be strictly adhered to following changes in party strength.

He stated that the party will formally write to the IEBC to claim what it considers its rightful share of nominated positions, noting that the by-election results significantly altered the numerical balance.

Kamotho added that the victories in Muminji and Evurore have tipped the scales in UDA’s favour, making it necessary to realign nomination slots to reflect the current political reality.

His sentiments were echoed by UDA party leader Cecily Mbarire who said UDA is the giant party in Embu County Assembly and that by next week they will write to the IEBC requesting more slots.

Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku confirmed that before the by-elections, UDA had 14 MCAs, including nominated members, but the figure has since risen to 16.

According to Thiriku, the new numbers firmly place UDA as the majority party in the assembly, even without factoring in support from other Kenya Kwanza–affiliated parties.

He observed that should the IEBC approve the petition, some political parties currently holding nominated seats may be compelled to relinquish them to accommodate UDA’s increased representation.

The Speaker also announced that the two newly elected MCAs will be sworn in next Tuesday, after which the assembly will move to reconstitute its committees in line with the new majority configuration.

Meanwhile, Mbeere North MP Leo Muthende hailed the by-election victories as a significant boost to UDA’s political dominance in the region. Muthende noted that with UDA now controlling approximately 67 per cent of elected leadership positions in Mbeere North, the party’s focus is to further solidify its presence and position itself strongly ahead of the next general election cycle.

Many young people use these platforms as a space of self-expression, entertainment, learning, business and a tool of communication globally since they connect people across the world. Social media is a very powerful source of news. It also helps youths to stay touch with their friends and family members. 

In addition, social media also promotes creativity and talent development among youths as they showcase their talents on social media platforms.

However social media also presents some challenges like peer pressure, misinformation, online addiction, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content i.e. pornographic videos and mental health issues. Today, very many young people spend a lot of time on social media platforms consuming information. They are always on phones and laptops. 

Research shows that 95% of youths aged 13-17 years report using at least one social media platform with nearly two-thirds using it daily and over one third almost constantly.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that 11-13% problematic social media use is often linked to anxiety, depression and body image usage which is very dangerous to the teens.

The UK Government along with the countries like Australia, Greece and Spain is actively implementing bans on social media for children under 16 years to combat these challenges. The parents are also called upon to take full responsibilities in nurturing moral behaviors of their children.

The former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Communication Edward Kisiang'ani warns youths who make majority of social media users on the improper use of Internet. He insisted that digital freedom should not exceed its limit.

In a nut shell, social media is a powerful tool that has greatly shaped the lives of young people today. It shapes how they learn, communicate, think and even express themselves. The impact of social media therefore, is not determined by the platforms themselves but by how they are being used. With proper guidance from the parents, educators and most specially society and with self-control and awareness from youths themselves, social media can be transformed from a distraction into a meaningful or rather a powerful tool for growth and positive change among youths. 

Ultimately, the responsibility lies in ensuring that teens use social media as a stepping towards personal development, meaningful communication and for a brighter feature. When used wisely, it can also empower youths to grow, succeed and positively influence the world around them.

One of the most common beliefs is that contraceptives cause permanent infertility. Many young women fear that once they begin using family planning methods, they may never conceive again. However, according to the World Health Organization, most modern contraceptives are safe, effective and reversible, meaning fertility typically returns after discontinuation.

Another widespread misconception is that contraceptives damage a woman’s health or “spoil the womb.” In reality, health experts explain that while some methods may have mild side effects, serious complications are rare when used correctly under medical guidance.

Research across Kenya shows that misinformation remains a major barrier to contraceptive use. Studies highlighted by the Guttmacher Institute indicate that belief in contraceptive myths remains high, especially among young people and in rural areas.

These misconceptions often include fears of birth defects, long-term illnesses, or loss of fertility none of which are supported by scientific evidence.

Despite these fears, contraceptive use in Kenya has steadily increased. Data from the African Institute for Development Policy shows that more than half of married women use modern contraceptive methods.

However, a significant number still lack access to accurate information or services, creating what experts describe as an “unmet need.”

The persistence of misinformation is closely linked to how people access information. Many young individuals rely on friends, partners, or community narratives rather than trained health professionals. Without clear and open education, false beliefs spread quickly and become accepted as truth.

Cultural and religious influences also play a role. In some communities, discussions about contraceptives are considered sensitive or even discouraged, making it harder for individuals to seek reliable information. This silence allows misinformation to persist.

Health professionals emphasize that improving access to accurate information is key. Open conversations, community education, and youth-friendly health services can help bridge the gap between myth and reality.

Contraceptives are not just about preventing pregnancy. They empower individuals to plan their lives, protect their health, and make informed choices. Until myths are replaced by facts, however, many will continue to make decisions based on fear rather than knowledge.