Psychosocial Drivers of National Security Dynamics amid Gen Z Resistance to Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya

Abstract

The protests in Kenya following the passage of the Finance Bill 2024 posed a national security threat. The incident prompted an assessment of mental health issues among Generation Z, popularly known as Gen Z. The gradual process that began with agitation to reject the Bill escalated into full-blown protests after Parliament endorsed it. The study aimed to evaluate the state of mental well-being among Generation Z before, during, and after the protests; to examine the underlying triggers that fueled the unrest; and to assess the post-protest consequences, including loss of life and property, economic disruptions, and existential stressors contributing to depression and a growing sense of collective dissatisfaction, all of which have implications for national security. A qualitative survey design was employed, targeting approximately 18.3 million Gen Z individuals. The sampling procedure involved a systematic review of protest-related coverage from three mainstream media outlets, Citizen TV, KTN News, and NTV, including live broadcasts, online streams, reports, and interviews. Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach was applied to assess five key markers aligned with the existential dimensions of the Gen Z protests. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with a control group to explore the psychosocial factors underpinning the widespread violence. The findings indicate that the state of mental well-being among Gen Z contributed to the emergence of highly mobilised demonstrators advocating for socioeconomic transformation, with demands framed around perceived endemic corruption and government impunity. The evolving narratives shaping the discourse between the state and Gen Z, alongside concerns about mental wellbeing within an increasingly tech-savvy generation, raise critical questions about governance in Kenya. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical intersection between youth mental wellbeing, sociopolitical engagement, and national security, highlighting the need for responsive governance frameworks that address both the psychosocial and structural drivers of unrest in contemporary Kenya. The study recommends initiating an inclusive national dialogue to address emerging threats, particularly those associated with a growing and disaffected youthful population, both broadly and within Gen Z specifically, to safeguard future national security and social stability.