A new report by Mwelekeo Insights has revealed a wide range of perceptions among Kenyan adults, aged 30 and above, regarding Generation Z (Gen Z) in the wake of the significant protests that took place in June 2024.
The findings are based on an extensive survey of 16,800 participants across Kenya, providing a comprehensive look into how Gen Z is viewed by older generations, particularly in relation to their political activism, work ethic, cultural values, and contributions to society.
‘The report sheds light on the evolving relationship between Kenya’s younger and older generations, especially as Gen Z’s influence continues to grow in various sectors.
The survey showed that Gen Z’s political engagement, especially through social media, was widely acknowledged.
A striking 77% of respondents admired the younger generation’s awareness and active participation in political matters, particularly their leading role in the protests against the 2023/2024 Finance Bill.
These protests, which resulted in the withdrawal of the controversial bill, demonstrated Gen Z’s ability to mobilize and challenge government decisions.
However, a significant portion of the respondents, 44%, expressed concerns that the activism of Gen Z often lacks organization, which could limit its long-term effectiveness.
Despite these concerns, 57% of those surveyed recognized the potential of Gen Z to lead, emphasizing the need for proper mentorship and guidance to harness this leadership.
When it comes to Gen Z’s economic contributions, the survey highlighted mixed reactions.
A majority of respondents, 74%, praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z, particularly their involvement in the gig economy, freelancing, and digital businesses.
Despite this, some respondents, particularly older generations, voiced concerns over the younger generation’s perceived reluctance to conform to traditional workplace structures.
48% of participants raised doubts about Gen Z’s commitment to established work norms, while 39% viewed them as non-compliant.
On the other hand, 77% of respondents agreed that Gen Z shows great adaptability in navigating tough economic challenges, though 23% disagreed, reflecting some skepticism about their long-term economic resilience.
Cultural and social values were another area where Gen Z’s views seemed to create a generational divide.
84% of those surveyed acknowledged Gen Z’s progressive stance on issues such as gender equality, mental health awareness, and social justice.
However, many older respondents felt that some of these progressive values conflicted with more traditional Kenyan norms, especially in the context of workplace ethics, lifestyle choices, and communication styles.
While Gen Z’s approach to these issues was often praised as forward-thinking, it was also viewed by some as challenging the status quo in ways that could lead to tension within Kenyan society.
The survey also found that regional and gender differences played a role in how Gen Z was perceived.
Urban respondents were more likely to view Gen Z positively, with 68% of them seeing the younger generation as a driving force for socio-economic and political change, compared to only 52% of rural participants.
Gender-based differences were also noticeable, as women (81%) expressed stronger support for Gen Z’s impact than men (79%), though the difference was relatively small.
Despite the generational gap, the survey’s findings revealed an optimistic outlook for collaboration between generations.
78% of respondents agreed that fostering intergenerational dialogue and providing mentorship opportunities could bridge the divide and support youth-driven entrepreneurship.
The report highlighted the importance of creating spaces for understanding, where older generations can offer guidance, and younger generations can drive innovation.
The findings also reflected a wide array of public opinions, from those who admired Gen Z’s courage and ability to challenge authority, to those who felt the younger generation lacked a tangible agenda or showed disrespect towards traditional values.
