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The Digital Native: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Gen Z in Kenya

Edward Kipkalya,

The way we live, work, and communicate has been completely transformed by technology. An entire generation has grown up with access to the internet, social media, and mobile devices for the first time in history. Gen Z is the most technologically advanced and digitally native generation to date. Gen Z is leading the digital revolution in Kenya, and its effects on individuals’ lives and the nation at large cannot be understated. The impact of technology on Kenya’s Gen Z, its prospects, and problems, and how Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa (ELF-Africa) is bridging the gap through the IT Governance department will all be covered in this article.

Gen Z is regarded as the first generation to have never experienced a world without the internet because they have grown up in a technologically advanced environment. With 428,514,686 people, or 31.20% of the population, Generation Z is now the largest generation in Africa, according to the Population Pyramid. Gen Z makes up the majority of the population in Kenya (18,378,493 people, or 33.42%), and their use of technology has important ramifications for the future of the nation.

Gen Z in Kenya now offers a wide range of prospects thanks to the development of technology. For instance, it has democratized access to knowledge and education, giving young people a platform for education, connection, and self-expression. Young people may now advocate for change and speak out on social issues that impact them because of the platform that social media has given them. Young people now have new opportunities to earn money through internet platforms and e-commerce thanks to the gig economy.

The way technology has affected Gen Z’s ability to communicate and engage with others is among its most significant effects. Gen Z in Kenya uses social media sites like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok as their main method of communication and socialising. These sites are among the most popular. According to a report by Global Web Index, 97% of internet users in Kenya use WhatsApp, with a sizable percentage of Gen Z users.

In Gen Z, the prevalence of social media platforms has also spawned new genres of entertainment and ways to consume content. Internet video content, especially short-form videos, has grown in popularity; one of the most well-liked venues for this kind of content is TikTok. Several members of the Gen Z generation in Kenya are using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to exhibit their abilities and connect with a larger audience because of the popularity of online video content.

However, technology has had an impact on Gen Z, but not all of it is good. It has also resulted in a great deal of difficulties. The rise of cyberbullying, a type of abuse and harassment that occurs on social media platforms, is one of the biggest problems. It has led to mental health issues and, in some cases, even suicide. Unsuitable content has become a lot more accessible young people, including minors because of technology which exposes them to habits that socially frowned upon. According to a study conducted by the African Child Policy Forum, excessive screen time among kids and teenagers in Africa, especially Kenya, is linked to higher rates of obesity, restless nights, and reduced physical activity.

ELF-Africa recognizes the significant impact of technology on Gen Z in Kenya and has established an IT for Governance department to bridge the gap between technology and governance. The department encourages the development of technological competencies that can spur innovation and economic progress while also promoting the proper and ethical use of technology among young people in Kenya.

In conclusion, the ever present need to take a deeper look into the effect of technology on Gen Z cannot be wished away. The popularity of social media sites and online video has altered how Gen Z interacts with others and communicates, as well as opening new possibilities for entertainment and content creation. The need for responsible and ethical technology use is highlighted by the possible drawbacks of technology use among Kenya’s Gen Z population. One initiative that aims to address this problem and close the gap between technology and governance is the IT for Governance department of ELF-Africa. It is crucial that we continue to track how technology is affecting the users especially Gen Z and take proactive steps towards online safety particularly for minors.

This article is part of the #GenerationalMosaics series that focuses on understanding the complexity of generations.

The writer is currently the IT for Governance Officer at Emerging Leaders Foundation – Africa (www.elfafrica.org).

You can connect with him via Twitter: @Edward_Kalya

Navigating the generational divide: Exploring the cultural and societal differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Kenya

Edward Kipkalya

Kenya is a country with a young population, with over 75% of its population being under the age of 35. Among these young people, the Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations make up a significant portion of the population. In this article, we will explore the cultural and societal differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Kenya.

Gen Z, born between 1995 and 2015, is known for its digital native, independent, and entrepreneurial mindset. They were the first generation to be born into a world where the internet and smartphones were widely available. According to a study by the Communications Authority of Kenya, as of 2021, about 59 million mobile phone devices were connected to mobile networks in the country for the quarter ending September putting the penetration levels at  67.9% in feature phones and 53.4% in smartphones. This has significantly impacted the way Gen Z interacts with the world, with many of them being highly tech-savvy and having a strong online presence. They tend to be more pragmatic, less politically and socially active, and less likely to challenge traditional customs and practices.

Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, are the newest generation. They are the first to be born entirely in the 21st century, and as such, have grown up in an even more technology-saturated world than Gen Z. They are the children of Millennials and are the most diverse generation yet. They tend to be more independent and have a global mindset, this makes them open to new technologies and ways of communicating. According to a study by the Population Council Kenya, Gen Alpha is more likely to be exposed to diverse cultures and ideas, thanks to the increasing number of parents who are working abroad or sending their children to international schools. They are also more likely to be politically and socially active, as seen in the growing number of youth-led social movements and organizations in the country.

One significant difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Kenya is their approach to education. Gen Z is more likely to have a traditional approach to education, with many of them pursuing higher education to secure a stable job and financial security. On the other hand, Gen Alpha is more likely to have a more innovative approach to education, with many of them being interested in pursuing alternative forms of education such as online classes, apprenticeships, and vocational training. This is reflected in the growing number of online learning platforms and vocational training institutions in Kenya.

Another significant difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Kenya is their approach to career and work. Gen Z is more likely to prioritize job security and financial stability, while Gen Alpha is more likely to prioritize purpose and impact. Both generations prioritize mental health at their career and work approach. According to a study by the International Labour Organization – Global Youth Employment Trends 2020, Gen Alpha is more likely to be interested in pursuing careers in fields such as technology, sustainability, and social impact. This is reflected in the growing number of youth-led social enterprises and start-ups in Kenya.

One organization that is working to bridge the gap between Gen Z and Alpha in Kenya is the Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa (ELF-Africa). We believe that by investing in the next generation of leaders, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. ELF-Africa offers a range of programs and initiatives that cater to the unique needs of Gen Z and Alpha. For example, our mentorship program connects young people with experienced leaders in their fields of interest, allowing them to gain valuable insights and skills. At ELF-Africa, we also have leadership development and governance programs that equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to lead positive change in their communities. Furthermore, ELF-Africa runs an annual youth and devolution symposium that brings together young leaders from across the continent to network, share ideas, and collaborate on projects as a way of buttressing the efforts of devolution in Kenya.

Furthermore, ELF-Africa is bridging the gap between Gen Z and Alpha through its focus on inclusivity and diversity. We believe that by creating a platform where young leaders from diverse backgrounds can come together, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all. By providing young people with the values, skills, networks, and support they need to become leaders, ELF-Africa is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all young people in Kenya, regardless of their generation.

In conclusion, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are two distinct generations in Kenya, with their own unique characteristics, values, and beliefs. Gen Z is known for its digital native, independent, and entrepreneurial mindset, while Gen Alpha is known for its global mindset and technology-saturated world. Understanding these differences is important for building a more inclusive and equitable society for all young people in Kenya.

By Edward Kipkalya,

This article is part of the #GenerationalMosaics series that focuses on understanding the complexity of generations. The writer is currently the IT Governance Officer at Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa (www.elfafrica.org). You can connect with him via Twitter: @Edward_Kalya