As the streets of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu fill with Gen Z protesters, another battlefront has emerged—the digital space.
Rights groups say Kenya has expanded online surveillance and censorship in 2025, targeting youth activists who rely on social media platforms to mobilize, livestream protests, and share real-time updates.
Reports indicate that:
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Social media monitoring tools are being deployed to track hashtags and identify protest leaders.
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Some activists’ accounts have been suspended or hacked, allegedly with state involvement.
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Internet slowdowns were recorded during peak demonstrations, raising concerns about deliberate throttling.
Digital rights experts warn that this crackdown undermines free expression and violates international commitments to internet freedom. With platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp fueling civic movements, the state’s push to control online spaces is seen as a direct attack on democracy.
Yet, young Kenyans remain defiant. Many are shifting to encrypted channels, VPNs, and alternative apps to stay connected and keep their voices alive. For Gen Z, the struggle is no longer just on the streets—it’s on the screen.
