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Tag: Millennials

  • New book urges Kenya to rethink its relationship with Gen Z

    New book urges Kenya to rethink its relationship with Gen Z

    In a timely and thought-provoking move, Dr. Lucas Mburu Saturday launched his new book “From Millennials to Gen Z: Leadership Insights for Africa”, calling on the nation to stop sidelining young people and instead embrace their energy, ideas, and urgency for change.

    The book, launched at Nairobi Club, explores generational dynamics, particularly between Millennials and Generation Z, and presents a compelling case for intergenerational understanding, mentorship, and collaborative leadership.

    Dr. Mburu, whose PhD dissertation helped inspire the book, says the project is born out of a desire to become “part of the solution” to what has become a common complaint across Africa: misunderstanding and underestimating the youth.

    “Gen Z is not the future, they are the now. They are bold, demanding, and unapologetically pushing for change. They feel unheard and misunderstood, and this book is about creating space for them,” said Dr. Mburu during the launch.

    He emphasized that Gen Z’s demands should not be dismissed. “My advice to them is simple: don’t back off. Keep pushing. This is about your lives, your future. No one should have a conversation about you without you,” he said.

    The book covers a range of topics from spiritual perspectives on generational differences to workplace tensions and integrates the role of digital transformation, particularly social media and artificial intelligence, in shaping how the younger generations lead and live.

    “With Gen Z, everything is fast, digital, and connected. From AI to TikTok, their tools are shaping global change. We can’t afford to be analog in a digital world,” he noted.

    Speaking on why he chose the title, Dr. Mburu explained it reflects both a transition and a challenge: “The title ends with Gen Z because they’re currently applying pressure to society. They’re visible, loud, and their time is now. The magnifying glass on the cover represents the need to examine their role more closely—because even though they’re everywhere, not everyone sees them clearly.”

    The book is now available for purchase via Nuria Kenya, an online bookstore that offers convenient delivery services—another nod to the on-demand culture Gen Z champions.

    Dr. Mburu urged leaders, parents, and organizations to read the book, not just to understand the youth, but to work with them. “We must stop complaining and start mentoring. That’s how we build a successful nation,” he concluded.

  • Embu leaders divided over fresh dialogue calls by Ruto and Odinga

    Embu leaders divided over fresh dialogue calls by Ruto and Odinga

    Embu leaders have mixed reactions to the recent calls for renewed dialogue between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

    Some leaders voiced concerns, claiming the dialogue is likely to be co-opted by politicians, especially with the involvement of the opposition. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Branch Chair Mugo Mate argued that such dialogue could lead the country back to a coalition government.

    “If Ruto was angered by the handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga, why does he want to return to that route?” Mate questioned.

    Mate emphasized that genuine dialogue should be between the government and Generation Z, who spearheaded the anti-finance bill protests.

    “The dialogue we want is initiated by Gen Zs fighting the rot in the country, including corruption, not one that brings political parties together,” Mate said.

    Former Kirimari Ward MCA Morris Nyaga noted that Raila’s demonstrations led to national dialogue, resulting in the NADCO report.

    “Gen Zs and Millennials have their protests where they want the President to listen to them and address their grievances,” Nyaga added.

    Conversely, other leaders believe that national dialogue must include everyone, including the political class, to be effective.

    Political lobbyist Kirangacha Mwaniki stated that inclusive dialogue is the only way to reach a consensus and establish a common agenda for addressing issues affecting Kenyans.

  • Millennials, Gen Z lead protests against Finance Bill for second day

    Millennials, Gen Z lead protests against Finance Bill for second day

    Thousands of protesters drawn from various towns and cities across the country took to the streets Thursday to voice their discontent with the Finance Bill 2024.

    Unlike previous protests dominated by the older generation and opposition politicians, activists identifying as Millennials and Generation Z staged peaceful demonstrations relying heavily on social media to amplify their voices in what is seen as a new wave of political activism.

    In Nairobi, hundreds of protesters brandishing placards with anti-tax messages occupied the central business district for the entire day, even as police lobbed teargas and opened water cannons to disperse the crowd, which sought to access Parliament Buildings.

    In Mombasa, youth marched through the streets urging MPs to oppose the proposed finance law, warning that it could further increase the cost of basic commodities due to the proposed tax on imported goods.

    Meanwhile, in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga was forced to address young Kenyans who gathered outside the county offices.

    The protesters vowed to hold more demonstrations if the finance bill passes, urging lawmakers from the county to shoot down the bill.

    “As youth, we call upon MPs from Nyeri County to oppose the finance bill. We are the ones who voted for them and therefore they should represent us,” said one of the protesters in Nyeri.

    In Eldoret, 2022 presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame joined the youth in the protests, expressing their concerns on some of the proposals contained in the contentious bill.

    Similar protests were held in Machakos, Embu, Narok, Nyahururu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nanyuki, Lodwar, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kericho, and Meru.