In recent days, Kenya has been rocked by powerful protests led by the passionate and determined Gen Z. These young people have taken to the streets, demanding justice and accountability from their leaders over the contentious Finance Bill 2024. These young Kenyans are not just protesting taxes; they are fighting for their future.
Across Africa, the situation is all too familiar. Our continent is blessed with rich natural resources, yet many African youth face increasing hopelessness. Corruption, mismanagement and poor governance have left our nations struggling, despite our abundant wealth. The gap between the rich and the poor widens and opportunities for young people shrink. No one seems to care or even ask how jobless youth manage to survive or where they get their daily bread. The daily struggles and hardships of young people often go unnoticed, leaving them to fend for themselves and those who cannot fall into depression and despair. This despair drives some to take unorthodox paths, such as dangerous migration routes or engaging in vices just to survive.
In fact, African youth are frustrated. They are tired of seeing their potential wasted and their futures stolen. They are tired of leaders who prioritize personal gain over public good. They are tired of promises unkept and dreams deferred. The youth are rising and they are demanding accountability.
The protests in Kenya are a stark reminder of the power and potential of Africa's youth. These young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. They are showing us that when we stand up and speak out, we can challenge the status quo. We can hold our leaders accountable.
(toc) #title=(Table of Content)
Why Accountability Matters?
Young people across Africa are grappling with high unemployment rates, poor living conditions, and limited opportunities. This is particularly frustrating given the continent's vast wealth in natural resources.Why should we endure hardship in a land so abundant? Why should we struggle over basic needs, such as bread-and-butter, when, with proper management and the right approach, we could thrive as a global economic powerhouse?
Youth unemployment and underemployment rates are alarmingly high, pushing many young people to seek greener pastures abroad. The desperation to escape harsh living conditions has led to dangerous journeys across deserts and seas, often resulting in tragic deaths. This isn't the future we deserve. During the day, foreign embassies in our countries teem with visa applicants, while in the evenings, our airports overflow with young people fleeing despair and daily hardships.
The solution lies not in escaping our challenges, but in holding our leaders accountable. By demanding transparency, fairness, and effective governance, we can compel them to address the issues plaguing our continent and our individual countries. It's about creating a better present for ourselves and securing a promising future for generations to come. Only by actively engaging and pushing for change can we ensure that Africa becomes a place where every youth can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Actionable Tips to Hold Leaders Accountable
We propose here some practical steps that young people across Africa can take to hold their leaders accountable:
Stay Informed and Educate Others
Stay updated on political and economic news in your country. Read articles, follow reliable sources on social media, and join discussions. Share what you learn with friends and your community through meetings, social media groups, and other platforms to raise awareness.
Engage in Peaceful Protests and Demonstrations
In the spirit of democracy, organize and join peaceful protests to express disapproval of government actions. Use social media to spread your message and gain support from a larger audience.
Vote and Encourage Others to Vote
Voting is a direct way to influence governance. Make sure you are registered to vote and participate in all elections. Encourage your friends and family to do the same by organizing voter registration drives and explaining the importance of voting. Every vote is a vote for your future. Avoid letting politicians sway your vote or conscience with bribes. Stay open-minded and analyze campaign promises critically before deciding whom to support. Always prioritize your country over any political party allegiance.
Hold Public Officials to Their Promises
Keep track of promises made by elected officials. Create a checklist of their commitments and monitor their progress. Use social media, public forums, and local meetings to hold officials accountable and remind them of their promises.
Join or Support Civil Society Organizations
Civil society organizations (CSOs) promote transparency and accountability. Join or support CSOs that share your values. Volunteer your time, donate resources, or participate in their campaigns.
Engage in Digital Activism
Use online platforms to organize, advocate, and hold leaders accountable. Create and share content that highlights issues, suggests solutions, and calls for action. Participate in online discussions and use hashtags to unite and amplify your message.
Build Alliances and Networks
Collaborate with other youth groups, activists, and organizations. Building a network strengthens your collective voice and increases your influence. Participate in regional and international forums to share experiences, learn from others, and bring attention to your cause.
Conclusion
It's time for all African youth to take inspiration from their peers in Kenya who are standing up and speaking out. We must unite and demand the accountability that we deserve. We must use our voices, our energy, and our resolve to create a better future. Whether it's through peaceful protests, social media campaigns, or community organizing, we must keep pushing for transparency, justice, and fairness.
Our leaders must listen to us. They must understand that their actions have consequences and that they are accountable to the people. We, the youth of Africa, are not just statistics or a demographic. We are a force to be reckoned with, and our future depends on the actions we take today.
Stand up. Speak out. Hold your leaders accountable. Together, we can transform our nations and ensure a brighter, more just future for all.
