Market our industries, don't just ridicule: CS Kinyanjui tells Gen Z

Whether on Facebook, Instagram, or X, young people, particularly Gen Z, have transformed social media into a powerful tool for holding the government accountable.  

What was once just a space for entertainment has now become a battleground for accountability, with young people mobilising movements, and demanding transparency like never before.  

However, Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui believes that instead of only calling out the government’s shortcomings, young people should also use their platforms to promote industries and sectors in the country.  

According to Kinyanjui, the government has enabled Kenyans to enjoy fast internet speeds, making it a disservice if they use it solely to criticise instead of also showcasing the country’s economic potential.  

“I think Kenya is one of the places with the highest social media activity, which is good. If you look at it, the government has played a role by bringing fiber optics across the country. However, when you have internet, you can use it for good or for self-destruction.” 

“You cannot provide someone with high-speed internet, give them a good education, and not give them a task—they will turn that platform into negativity,” the Trade CS said while on Spice FM on Thursday, March 6. 

.@GovLeeKinyanjui: The Head of State recently opened a historic road from Isiolo to Mandera. But because we haven't empowered the young people to market or utilize it, they now use their creativity to mock and ridicule that development.@MITIKenya#TheSituationRoom

Follow our… pic.twitter.com/AEcev9wvmZ — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) March 6, 2025

While calling on Kenyan youth to take inspiration from their Chinese counterparts, he added, “If you look at how China is using its social media, you will find young people talking about products coming from their industries.” 

But, Kinyanjui insists, “We need to now transition and get young people to market various industries in the country, not just ridicule.”

His remarks come in the wake of an unprecedented wave of online activism.  

The movement, fueled by the 2023/2024 Finance Bill, has led to significant political decisions, including President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the Bill, a Cabinet reshuffle, and the withdrawal of the Adani deal.