Social media’s role in Kenya’s political and social discourse came under fresh scrutiny during the 60th annual Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Labour Day prayer in Nairobi. Speaking at the event, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli called for the regulation of content consumed by young people, blaming social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter for fueling youth protests.
However, critics argue that social media is not the root cause of the youth unrest. Instead, the Gen-Z-led protests seen in June-July last year are symptoms of deeper systemic issues, including frustration with the government, high unemployment, and the soaring cost of living.
Analysts warn that regulating social media platforms would suppress free expression without addressing the real grievances driving the protests.
Atwoli, who has been serving as COTU SG for 25 years now, further claimed that many protesting youths have “never worked” or joined trade unions, implying their struggles are not legitimate. Yet many young Kenyans are actively involved in freelance work, the gig economy, and tech startups sectors, largely ignored by traditional labour unions like COTU.
Observers note that dismissing their lived economic realities simply because they fall outside the formal employment structures is both unfair and out of touch.
Adding to the controversy, Atwoli suggested Kenya should adopt a social media regulatory framework similar to China’s. However, critics warn that China’s model, characterised by heavy censorship and intense surveillance, would be incompatible with Kenya’s democratic ideals, severely undermining free speech and civic engagement.
Atwoli also called on churches to denounce social media during religious gatherings, a move critics say risks politicising religious institutions. They caution that places of faith should remain neutral spaces and not be used to push government narratives or settle political conflicts.
Moreover, political leaders like Atwoli have been urged not to dismiss the voices of digitally literate, politically active youth. Instead of pushing for social media crackdowns, they should engage with the younger generation through dialogue and collaborate on meaningful policy reforms that strengthen democracy.
During his speech, Atwoli referenced the 2007 post-election violence to justify fears that protests could turn violent. Yet analysts argue that peaceful, organised civic activism such as that seen in the Gen-Z protests is a hallmark of a healthy democracy, not a sign of impending chaos. Citing fear of instability, they say, is a weak excuse to push for restrictive regulations rather than addressing legitimate demands for reform.
Ultimately, experts stress that the government should recognise social media not as a threat, but as a tool for economic, political, and social development. Embracing rather than stifling online civic participation could propel Kenya toward a more inclusive and democratic future.
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