Acute unemployment fuelling Gen Z riots

Protesters picket along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on June 25, 2025 during the commemoration of the 2024 Gen-Z protests.
Jobless youth • The deadly anti-government demonstrations have just confirmed that there are millions of idle youth ready to cause mayhem and loot businesses as they are quite hungry, says Godfrey Mulwa. “The major problem that is fuelling the Gen Z riots is acute joblessness. Create jobs and enable these young people to get their livelihoods and there will be peace.” His contact is [email protected].
***
Peaceful protest • Causing chaos during protests, Lincoln E. Oyigo cautions, won’t solve any of the country’s serious problems. “When protesting, and if you are really serious, don’t just go and mess up things as has happened in the recent past. If you throw a stone at a police officer, he/she won’t just look at you but will hit back. Let’s have peaceful protests.” His email address is [email protected].
***
New dynamics • The conflict between the government and Gen Zs should be handled with utmost care, says Jimmy Thumbi. Youth, he explains, are more enlightened and know their rights. “The government should step back and try to learn the new dynamics. In the absence of a common ground, these increasingly ugly confrontations will only continue to escalate.” His contact is [email protected].
***
People power • Following cases of buildings under construction collapsing, and the flouting of construction regulations, Jotham Ndung’u has figured out a solution. Says he: “It’s high time citizens formed strong residents’ associations to ensure that building rules and regulations are strictly followed in all the upcoming real estate developments.” His contact is [email protected].
***
Be thankful • Most people, Carol Maina notes, often forget to say thank you even after being assisted. “I don’t wish to be one of those. Some time back at Quickmart on Outering in Nairobi, a woman offered to buy some expensive chewing gum after she heard children being warned not to pick it up. She then gave the gum to the kids, who jumped up in happiness.” Her contact is [email protected].
Have a thankful day, won’t you!