Along the beautiful beaches of Diani, under a sun that never questioned their freedom, hundreds of GenZs gathered to dance last weekend at the now famous 2025 Summer Tides Festival.
Set at the Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort from July 4 to 5, the event echoed the deep yearnings of a generation searching for meaning, healing and connection beyond politics.
Diani became once more a place where art could breathe, and where music, fashion and performance could become a peaceful form of protest for our youngest generation of adults. Inspired by the California spirit of Coachella arts and music festival of the US and the enduring hunger for alternative spaces, this beachside gathering reminds us of the power of art to entertain, to awaken and to unite.
Like its American counterpart, the Summer Tides Festival is emerging as Kenya’s own large-scale youth cultural gathering annually.
Much like Coachella, it brings together musicians, visual artists, performers and DJs to create a vibrant and inclusive space for young people. It allows youth to interact across regional and social boundaries, and to enjoy both local and international influences in music, fashion and art.
The festival has become a significant space for young Kenyans between 20 and 30 years of age to unwind, especially after a tense political period marked by protests and civic demonstrations.
In the past few weeks, many of them have taken part in anti-government protests demanding reforms and accountability. These demonstrations, commonly called Maandamano, have been widely covered and have raised national concern about the political and economic future of the country.
In this context, the Summer Tides Festival provided a much-needed break. Many online users shared memes and posts referring to the event as a way to recover from the protests of June and to prepare mentally for the chaotic nationwide Saba Saba demonstrations that took place on Monday.
The festival itself was peaceful. However, on Sunday, problems arose as youth returning from Diani faced unexpected police interference, allegedly preventing them from proceeding to the Mombasa SGR terminus to catch their scheduled train to Nairobi.
This action drew criticism from civil society organisations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Vocal Africa.
Kenya Railways issued a statement attributing the delay to a technical hitch. It promised affected passengers that they would be accommodated on a special morning service on Monday.
WHAT YOUTH WANT
The Saba Saba protests, held annually to commemorate the struggle for multiparty democracy, were dominated this year by young people under the Gen Z banner.
Their relentless demands include economic reforms, employment opportunities and greater involvement in national policymaking.
Although the demonstrations were largely peaceful, the government maintained tight security and restricted access to key areas in Nairobi, including the Central Business District and Kamukunji, the historic site for the genesis of Saba Saba political activism three decades ago.
It is clear that this year is witnessing a heightened awareness of the link between youth culture and political action.
Events like Summer Tides serve as entertainment and platforms where young people connect, express themselves and reflect on their place in the country.
At these gatherings, music, slam poetry, fashion and digital media come together to form a modern form of civic engagement.
Such festivals also support emerging artists and local economies. They allow youth to build networks, discover new talents and engage with different communities in safe, non-political settings. At the same time, they show how cultural events can influence public life. When youth are treated with suspicion for attending festivals, it shows a lack of trust in their ability to participate responsibly in national affairs.
Our young population is vibrant, informed and engaged. They are finding new ways to participate in national conversations, whether through peaceful protests or cultural events. Their involvement in shaping the future of the country is becoming more visible.
As such, the government and society at large should support and listen to youth voices in both political and cultural spaces.
Summer Tides Festival is a growing example of how youth are creating transcultural and inter-tribal spaces for themselves.
These spaces combine leisure with reflection, culture with expression and art with identity. Rather than restricting or profiling youth at such moments, authorities should recognise them as important parts of our national democratic and social landscape. Engaging youth positively in these spaces could help the country foster a more inclusive and creative national culture.
Events the past week demonstrate that youth participation is no longer limited to voting or protests. It includes festivals, digital campaigns and the arts.
The road from Diani to Nairobi is more than a physical journey. It reflects a broader movement of Gen Zs seeking to be part of the national story.
As our country evolves, recognising and respecting the ways youth choose to express themselves through celebration or activism will be essential to building a more inclusive present and hopeful future.
