Economist David Ndii, known for his often blunt and compelling analysis of socio-political issues, has offered a stark assessment of the growing Gen Z movement, suggesting that it will ultimately amount to absolutely nothing.
Ndii elaborated on his views while responding to Karuti Kanyinga, a researcher on politics of development, who had argued that the Gen Z revolt was yet to run its full course.
“The Gen Z revolt in Kenya is yet to run its full course. It was and is based on an idea of establishing an accountable leadership and government. But some political elites have failed to recognize that the Gen Z will come back if the systems fail to deliver. And tribe will not help anyone,” Kanyinga wrote on X on Saturday night.
In a rebuttal on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Ndii countered Kanyinga’s assessment stating that the Gen Z movement lacks the substance and strategic foundation needed to effect real change.
“Prof. I don’t think GenZ is a revolt. I see it as emergence of middle class “good governance” politics challenging patrimonial “maendeleo” politics. The political class have decided to circle their wagons around maendeleo politics believing that the numbers are on their side,” Ndii wrote.
Another netizen opposed Ndii’s school of thought, suggesting that Gen Z movement has what it takes to effect the needed change.
“The political class have engaged the “self preservation gear ” and Gen Z should be upto the game!!!!” X user Komen challenged Ndii.
In a quick rejoinder, Ndii fought back explaining that politics need ideas, money and troops – three key things which, according to him, the Gen Z movement lacks.
“They have their work cut out. Politics needs ideas, money and troops. They have none of the three at the moment,” Ndii countered.
Ndii’s comments have sparked a debate among political analysts and within the Gen Z community itself. Some agree with his assessment, pointing out that many of the movement’s initiatives have failed to translate into concrete actions.
Others, however, argue that Gen Z is bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the political landscape, which could evolve into something more impactful over time.
Ndii, however, remains sceptical. He emphasized the importance of understanding the economic underpinnings of the issues Gen Z seeks to address and criticized what he perceives as the movement’s over-reliance on sensationalism and social media trends.
As the Gen Z movement continues to grow, Ndii’s comments serve as a reminder of the challenges ahead. Whether the movement will be able to address these criticisms and evolve into a force for lasting change remains to be seen.
For now, Ndii’s analysis offers a sobering perspective on the limits of digital activism and the need for more grounded, strategic approaches to social and political change.