AN EVALUTION ON THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN THE 2024 POLITICAL UNREST IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Political unrest is a complex concept that is difficult, if not impossible, to explain comprehensively in a single definition, since it encompasses several facets. Political unrest, as defined by the Longman dictionary, refers to a political scenario characterised by protests that include violent behaviour. Political turmoil has been a persistent problem on a worldwide scale, with the active participation of young people playing a substantial role in several of these uprisings. The 2024 political turmoil has seen a significant surge in the involvement of young people, driven by a range of issues such as socioeconomic difficulties, political discontent, and the impact of social media. Socioeconomic problems are a key aspect that motivates young people to participate in political unrest. The combination of elevated unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and limited availability of high-quality education contributes to a feeling of disenfranchisement among the youth. As stated by the International Labour Organisation (2023), the rates of unemployment among young people have reached historic levels, resulting in heightened dissatisfaction and a strong aspiration for change. The prevailing economic volatility has engendered a sense of despair among several young persons, rendering them more vulnerable to engaging in political demonstrations and social upheaval. Moreover, the discontentment of young people with the political system is an additional influential element that contributes to their participation in the political unrest of 2024. Many young people often feel disillusioned with the current political institutions and leadership, seeing them as both corrupt and inefficient. The Pew Research Centre (2023) conducted a recent study that indicates a prevailing attitude among young people that their governments are not sufficiently addressing their needs and concerns. Youth, due to a lack of confidence in political institutions, are compelled to pursue alternate means of expressing their opinions, often resorting to rallies and demonstrations. Moreover, the significance of social media in galvanising young people for political upheaval should not be overlooked. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have emerged as influential tools for coordinating demonstrations, disseminating information, and mobilising support. Social media enables the quick spread of information and fosters a feeling of belonging among people who have similar interests. An analysis conducted by the Oxford Internet Institute in 2023 emphasises the significant impact of social media in organising and magnifying the demonstrations of 2024. It facilitated the ability of young activists to connect with a larger audience and maintain their campaigns for an extended period. The political turmoil in 2024 was characterised by many significant advancements that underscored the fundamental elements propelling young engagement. The government's reaction to the demonstrations, characterised by repressive measures and apprehensions, exacerbated the estrangement of the younger generation and heightened their determination. Therefore, the study evaluate the factors responsible for youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Kenya's political landscape has a long history of instability and strife, with young people often taking a prominent part in these turbulent occurrences. In 2024, there was a major political revolution marked by extensive demonstrations, violent conflicts, and large participation of young people. Various variables have been recognised as contributing to the participation of young people in political unrest, such as economic adversity, political exclusion, social disparities, and the impact of social media. The presence of economic conditions, such as elevated levels of unemployment and restricted prospects for economic progress, engender a feeling of dissatisfaction and despair among the younger generation. Their economic marginalisation often contributes to their inclination to participate in demonstrations and other manifestations of political opposition (Mwangi & Kinyua, 2023). Furthermore, political marginalisation is a significant determinant since several young Kenyans experience exclusion from the political process and see their opinions as being disregarded in decision-making platforms. The feeling of being excluded has resulted in a loss of faith in the democratic system and a tendency to endorse extreme methods in order to bring about change (Omondi & Wanjiku, 2024). Moreover, the youth's discontent is intensified by social discrepancies, such as inequities in the availability of education, healthcare, and other vital services. The presence of ethnic and regional differences often aligns with these inequities, contributing to the complexity of the disturbance (Kamau & Njenga, 2024). In addition, the widespread impact of social media platforms has been a potent instrument for the mobilisation and coordination of demonstrations. Social media has quickly spread information, encouraged a feeling of belonging among marginalised young people, and intensified demands for action (Njoroge, 2024). Hence, the need to evaluate the factors responsible for youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to evaluate the factors responsible for youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya. The specific objectives is as follows

To examine whether economic instability contribute to youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

To analyze whether unemployment drive young people to participate in political unrest in Kenya.

To investigate whether  poverty contribute to  youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

To assess whether the proposed tax hikes influence youth participation in political unrest in Kenya.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

Did economic instability contribute to youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya?

Did  unemployment drive young people to participate in political unrest in Kenya?

Did poverty contribute to  youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya?

Did the proposed tax hikes influence youth participation in political unrest in Kenya?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study on the factors responsible for youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest is of paramount importance for several reasons, each contributing to a broader understanding and potential resolution of the issues at hand.

Firstly, findings of the study will be significant to policymakers as it will offer valuable insight into developing targeted strategies and policies that address the root causes of youth dissatisfaction which has led to unrest in the country. In addition, the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and also serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on  the factors responsible for youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya. Empirically, the study will  examine whether economic instability contribute to youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya, analyze whether unemployment drive young people to participate in political unrest in Kenya,  investigate whether  poverty contribute to  youth involvement in the 2024 political unrest in Kenya and assess whether the proposed tax hikes influence youth participation in political unrest in Kenya.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Youth: Youth refers to young people, typically between the ages of 18 and 35, who are in the transition phase from childhood to adulthood. In the context of political unrest, youth often represent a demographic with high levels of energy, aspirations, and sometimes disillusionment with the political system.

Political Unrest; Political unrest refers to a situation of disorder, disturbance, or conflict within a country, often resulting from dissatisfaction with government policies, leadership, or socio-economic conditions. It can manifest in protests, riots, strikes, or other forms of civil disobedience.

Factors: Factors are the underlying causes or reasons that contribute to a particular event or situation. In this context, factors may include social, economic, political, and cultural elements that drive youth to participate in political unrest.

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