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CHARLES MUNYUI: Gen Z will be major force in 2027 election

IEBC will see an influx of new voters. Gen Zs comprise persons up to 27 years.

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by CHARLES MUNYUI

Opinion13 January 2025 - 08:29
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In Summary


  • On the question of how they will influence the next election, it is worth noting the political class is on one side.
  • The aspirants, whether on the side of the current government or not, are viewed by Gen Z as the same. The person who will emerge top will relate well with them.

Gen Z during the protests/File

Every election cycle has its own uniqueness. The uniqueness of this one is an active youth population.

This happened a while back. The ‘Vijana Tugutuke’ campaigns were active.

But they were not mobilised as they are today, because social media was not so prevalent then. 

This time it is different in the sense that the young men and women are advanced in tech. If you look at even the US, they have a huge influence. 

There is nothing like a media house setting the narrative for the people. That number – of new voters - will definitely play a big part not just by being there to participate in elections but also by mobilising through social media.

IEBC will see an influx of new voters. Gen Zs comprise persons up to 27 years, most of whom did not take part in the last election despite being registered.

On the question of how they will influence the next election, it is worth noting the political class is on one side.

The aspirants, whether on the side of the current government or not, are viewed by Gen Z as the same. The person who will emerge top will relate well with them.

The person who will show, prove or look believable in resolving the issues they have raised will have an advantage.

The issues they have raised are well documented. It would, therefore, not be wise to assume that they will not take part in the elections; that they will just sit and talk.

They are highly likely to turn out and vote. They are likely to seriously influence what is happening by way of communicating around elections. 

Those are realities. Assuming they will not participate will be costly to those who think so. It is not just about the aspirant but anybody who relates with the aspirants.

The aspirants should relate with Gen Z issues. They should be seen to walk and talk and be associated with the youth. It will be critical.

Political analyst spoke to the Star

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