The Africa Tech Policy Summit Youth Day, held in Nairobi spotlighted the role of Kenyan youth in shaping the country’s digital governance landscape.
Under the theme “From Participation to Power: Centering Kenyan Youth in Internet Governance,” the event convened activists, policymakers, legal experts, technologists, and youth leaders to address urgent challenges in Kenya’s digital ecosystem.
Key Issues Discussed
Data Privacy vs. Public Interest
The morning session focused on the tension between data privacy and public interest, a debate reignited by the 2024 Gen Z-led protests against Kenya’s Finance Bill.
Youth organizers leveraged platforms like TikTok and X to mobilize, but their activism revealed gaps in data privacy protections and raised concerns about state surveillance and the ethical use of personal data.
Ms Neema Mujesia, Communications Officer at KICTANet and a Gen Z activist presented the “Generational Shifts & Civic Tech in Kenya’s Anti-Finance Bill Protests” report. She emphasised,
“The power of the youth was undeniable. As a Gen Z myself, I witnessed the urgency, the clarity, and the power of our voices. We didn’t just protest, we organized, we educated, we protected each other online and offline.”
Mujesia highlighted the risks, “We asked ourselves, where do we draw the line? When does holding power to account infringe on individual rights?”
Legal and Ethical Boundaries
Mr John Walubengo, Deputy Data Commissioner at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), clarified, “The right to privacy can be limited in the interest of national security, public health, or the public interest, but it must be justifiable, proportionate, and lawful.”
He stressed the ODPC’s ongoing efforts to define these boundaries and ensure accountability for misuse of personal data.
Journalist and activist Mr Boniface Mwangi warned, “Governments will always claim public interest when they want to suppress dissent. But surveillance doesn’t always protect citizens, it often controls and silences them… data privacy is about dignity, autonomy, and the right to exist without constant monitoring.”
Ms Sylvia Chelogoi, Legal Officer at the Office of the Ombudsman, added, “Even in the name of transparency or accountability, such as whistleblowing or tracking public complaints, we must be cautious about exposing individuals unnecessarily.”
She advocated for sensitive handling of personal data and robust grievance mechanisms for citizens.
Youth IGF 2025 and Digital Inclusion
The afternoon session transitioned to the Kenya Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF) 2025. Discussions addressed youth engagement in policy, the impact of AI and emerging technologies, and the need for universal access and robust digital public infrastructure.
Youth participants highlighted challenges such as tokenism, socio-economic barriers, and the rural-urban digital divide, proposing solutions like peer-to-peer digital literacy, inclusive policy design, and the formation of youth digital councils.
Actionable Recommendations
- Enhance digital literacy and awareness campaigns tailored for youth.
- Clarify legal interpretations of “public interest” to prevent misuse.
- Strengthen institutional accountability and grievance mechanisms.
- Promote youth-led, inclusive policy-making and ethical AI frameworks.
- Ensure digital platforms are regulated to protect vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and those facing online gender-based violence.
Dr. Grace Githaiga, Convener at KICTANet, set the tone, “Nothing with the youth without the youth.”
She stressed the importance of youth inclusion in digital policy, noting that young people are not just digital consumers but active innovators and leaders.
The summit underscored the urgency of embedding youth agency, data justice, and equitable access at the heart of Kenya’s digital future—especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
As digital tools redefine civic life, Youth Day demonstrated that Kenyan youth are determined to move from participation to power in shaping the nation’s digital trajectory.