The last census in 2019 placed our total enumeration to 47,564,296, of which 23,548,056 were males, 24,014,716 were females and 1,524 were intersex females.
Five years later, the population has grown and now Kenya's population is estimated at 54,985,702. Generation Z is the most populous with 18,378,493 inhabitants representing 33.42 per cent. Millennials are 12,123,453 representing 22.05 per cent. Both generations make up 55.47 per cent.
In one of his statements before he left power, former President Uhuru Kenyatta admitted that we had a youth that if not handled well, could be a time bomb. He advised that the youth must be managed very carefully, warning against inciting them. He actually asked that they be included in decision-making.
On Tuesday last week, the Generation Z started a protest dubbed 'Occupy Parliament' that quickly snowballed into a fiery ruckus which saw police engage Kenyans in running battles as protesters poured into the streets and alleys to fearlessly make their voices heard.
This was despite an earlier warning from the Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei, who said that the gatherings were outlawed. Protesters still made their way into town, intent on fulfilling their mission and sending a message to State House.
The youths outmanoeuvred the police and held the demonstrations as planned, and even in their arrest, they still sang the anti-tax and Ruto government policies and accused the government of implementing IMF directives.
The youths have gone ahead to not only use their smartphones to demonstrate, but have also shared numbers of key leaders asking them to shoot down the Finance Bill, 2024.
The contentious Bill that they were demonstrating against sailed through the Second Reading in the National Assembly after 204 MPs voted to pass it on Thursday making the efforts by the youth to shut it down go astray. A total of 115 MPs voted against it.
Even as the President faced protest in Garissa where he was on an official assignment, youths shouted at him and held placards informing him of their displeasure with the Bill.
In Nakuru, the youths held their protest just near stormed the State Lodge. Youths from Kericho, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu and Mombasa also demonstrated that they are fearless and unbowed.
That the President seems not to care about their concerns and presses on with the Bill against their wishes is a ticking time bomb.
The youth should also know that the best weapon they have a vote.
A total 314 youths were elected in 2022 which brings their number in the legislative duty to 335, an increase of 22, with most of them being MCAs (317), with 303 being male while only 14 are female.
If the number of youths that turned out in the streets to demonstrate could vote in 2027 elections they would be able to change the narrative and vote a president of their choice even if its Babu Owino, Kwame Owino, Fred Matiang'i, Mutahi Kagwe or any youth they wish.
It's high time that these generations voted to make an informed decision that will save this country from lies.