The nominations of top officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for roles in President Ruto’s administration mark a major shift in Kenya’s politics, leaving the Opposition weaker and struggling to fulfil its vital role of holding the government accountable.

While this move is meant to ease rising political temperatures, it has left a gap in the political system, increasing the difficulty of keeping the government in check.

Unfortunately, the other watchdog, the Fourth Estate, is also facing challenges. The government’s decision to channel its advertising to a single media house has weakened the financial stability of other mainstream outlets, depriving them of essential revenue.

This deliberate targeting limits the ability of mainstream media to function effectively as independent and critical voices.

Recent protests have shown the government’s willingness to intimidate and manipulate the media through arm-twisting and scare tactics, discouraging them from scrutinising the government too closely.

In this challenging environment, the nation’s hope increasingly rests on Gen Z and divine intervention.

The political class has aligned itself with tribal and regional kingpins to preserve its interests rather than serving the public good.

Most Kenyans have become disillusioned, recognising that election promises often serve as mere facades, designed to excite the masses and then allow a select few to benefit from shared power and resources.

Given this scenario, Gen Z must awaken to the realities of the political landscape and step up to hold the government accountable, ensuring a secure future for themselves.

The responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability now rests with the youth, and that is why Gen Z must rise to the occasion, leveraging their unique skills and perspectives to fast-track better governance and safeguard the nation’s future.

For Gen Z to become the catalysts of change that Kenya needs, they must, however, take specific actions to ensure accountability and foster a culture of transparency and reform.

Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok have proved to be powerful tools to highlight government missteps and advocate for policy changes. The youth must continue amplifying voices and bring attention to issues that mainstream media may overlook.

They can also continue creating content through blogging, vlogging, and podcasting for fresher perspectives and insights on current issues, allowing independent content creators to play a vital role in shaping public discourse.

Encouraging peers to question traditional norms and practices that have allowed corruption and mismanagement to persist will be crucial. A culture of accountability begins with challenging existing paradigms.

Gen Z should continue mobilising peers through online campaigns that call for action, ensuring they combat misinformation by sharing verified information and educating peers about their rights and the importance of civic engagement.

More importantly, young people must ensure that their peers are registered to vote and understand the power of their vote. Participation in elections is a crucial step in holding leaders accountable.

The youth should actively participate in public forums and town halls to voice concerns and demand answers from elected officials. Engagement at the local level can lead to significant changes, demonstrating that every voice matters.

Collaboration is key, and collective action can lead to a more significant impact, pushing for the changes needed in the political system. Additionally, learning from and connecting with organisations that share similar goals can provide valuable insights and strategies for the youths.

As politicians change tack, Kenyans must hold onto the hope that change is possible and work tirelessly to realise it. The responsibility to create a better Kenya rests with those willing to stand up, speak out.

— The writer is People Daily’s Business Editor