Page 4 - April 2025 Newsletter

Leveraging Digital Media: Young Women at the

Forefront of Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Fight

In an era where corruption scandals regularly dominate headlines, a
new wave of resistance is rising not from courtrooms or parliament
floors, but from X Spaces and TikTok feeds. On this digital
battleground, young women are leading the charge, using their
voices, art, and digital savvy to rewrite the rules of civic engagement.
They are not alone, fellow youth allies are amplifying these efforts,
proving that accountability is no longer confined to traditional power
halls.
As part of the Ugatuzi na Usawa Bila Ufisadi project, Africa Youth
Trust convened an X Space titled “Leveraging Digital Media: Kenyan
Youth Against Corruption.” The session focused on the lived realities
of young women in governance and digital activism. Using the
hashtag #FeministsAgainstCorruption, the space became a virtual
forum for frank, urgent dialogue on online harassment, political
exclusion, and creative resistance. The conversation was moderated
by Esha Mohamed, a Mombasa based feminist organiser and digital
advocate, with coordination and support from Keith Muhati, the
Project Officer leading the Ugatuzi initiative.
The Ugatuzi na Usawa Bila Ufisadi project applies feminist
approaches to tackle corruption, placing those most affected, young
women and marginalised communities, at the centre of governance
reform. Whether online or offline, Ugatuzi is building a new model of
accountability: one that is inclusive, intersectional and youth-led.
The Digital Frontline of Activism
Speaking during the session, Beatrice Waithera Wanjiru, Executive
Director of the Young Women Growing Initiative and founder of the
Red Vest Movement, issued a stark warning: digital spaces are
becoming double-edged swords for women fighting corruption.
“Online platforms offer powerful tools to expose graft, but they are
also breeding grounds for targeted attacks, slander, and harassment
especially against women activists,” she said.
Beatrice, a seasoned journalist and digital safety trainer, drew critical
links between Kenya’s illicit financial flows, election malpractices,
and the exploitation of women through systems such as sextortion
and digital doxing.
Her message was clear: “We must pursue feminist principles of
transparency, accountability, and inclusion. Our laws must protect
the digital dignity of women and activists alike.”
Poetry, Protest and Power
Award-winning spoken word artist Spontaneous the Poet reflected
on the Gen Z-led protests of the past year. “Poetry is my weapon,” she
said, highlighting how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are now
outpacing traditional media in giving voice to the people.
Drawing from personal experiences of state intimidation and Highlights from the X Space on Leveraging Digital Media: Kenyan Youths Against Corruption.
community backlash, she urged fellow artists to continue speaking
truth even in fear, “I do it scared. Because I’d rather live with courage long-term political education. “We must move beyond outrage. We need institutional
than the guilt of silence.” access. That’s how we finish what we started.”
Spontaneous also emphasized digital safety: “Use pseudonyms,
avoid location check-ins, turn on two-factor authentication. If you’re A Movement, not a Moment
going to speak truth, speak it smart.” The discussion closed with a united call to action: strengthen digital resilience, build
community solidarity, and amplify bold storytelling. From holding the line on feminist
Legal Protection or Systemic Failure? values to sustaining the fire of artivism, the panellists reminded listeners that youth voices,
Titus Maina, President of the East African University Students especially those of young women, are not only necessary, but transformative.
Association (EUASA) and a law student, brought a legal and policy The X Space reinforced the Ugatuzi na Usawa Bila Ufisadi project’s vision: a future where
lens to the conversation. While frameworks like the Computer Misuse public participation is inclusive, corruption is reduced and young people, led by young
and Cybercrimes Act exist, he warned that enforcement is often women, stand at the forefront of governance.
politically compromised, “The laws aren’t the problem. It’s the system As one participant summed it up: “Corruption is not just fought in courtrooms or county
that protects the abuser, not the victim.” halls it is also confronted in tweets, poems, and digital campaigns led by brave young
He called for sustained engagement beyond viral moments Kenyans.”
advocating for strategic lobbying, cross-generational coalitions, and