Loading News Article...
We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
/
/
We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
The pervasive influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, once political campaign tools, is now profoundly impacting how Kenyan Generation Z perceives self-worth and confidence, raising concerns about mental health and societal implications.
In Kenya, social media has evolved significantly since the 2022 presidential election, transitioning from a primary political battleground to a powerful shaper of personal identity, particularly among Generation Z. President William Ruto's successful 2022 campaign leveraged platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to foster a sense of digital intimacy with voters, frequently sharing updates from church visits to rallies. This strategy of seeking validation and visibility online is now mirrored in how young Kenyans define their self-esteem and confidence.
Kenya leads the world in daily social media usage, with citizens spending an average of 4 hours and 19 minutes online, significantly higher than the global average of 2 hours and 23 minutes. This extensive engagement, driven by a youthful population where 75% are aged 18–30, transforms social media from a pastime into a fundamental aspect of daily life. While social media offers avenues for connection and self-expression, its intense focus on curated online personas is increasingly linked to heightened social anxiety and feelings of inadequacy among Kenyan youth.
The 2022 general election marked a pivotal moment for social media in Kenyan politics. Both President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga extensively utilised digital platforms, with their campaigns employing bloggers, influencers, and digital strategists to sway public opinion. While official candidate pages focused on policy and positive image cultivation, allied influencers often disseminated negative information. This strategic use highlighted the growing power of social media to influence both online and offline behaviour.
The Kenyan government has recognised the rising mental health concerns, launching the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) and the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030). These frameworks aim to integrate mental health into primary care, increase funding, and launch nationwide awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Initiatives like the AkiliBora mobile application, funded by the National Research Fund (NRF), are also being developed to provide digital interventions for early detection and prevention of depression and suicide among Kenyan youth.
Mental health experts in Kenya warn that prolonged exposure to idealised social media images increases the risks of eating disorders and self-harm among teenagers. A study on social media consumption in Kenya indicated that over 70% of teenagers spend more than three hours daily on social platforms, increasing their susceptibility to mental health disorders. Many young Kenyans feel immense pressure to maintain a 'perfect' online persona, driven by influencer culture and peer comparisons, leading to self-doubt and body dissatisfaction.
The contradiction between social media's emphasis on individualism and traditional communal values like Ubuntu is emerging as a significant source of internal conflict for Kenyan youth. This digital culture, with its algorithm-driven platforms, can intensify egocentrism and loneliness, potentially undermining collective identity and psychological resilience.
The increasing reliance on social media for validation and self-worth carries significant risks for the mental well-being of Kenyan youth. Studies consistently link excessive social media use to increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, and decreased self-esteem. The constant exposure to carefully curated, often unrealistic, portrayals of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and harmful social comparisons.
Cyberbullying and online harassment are also pervasive threats, contributing to emotional distress and diminished self-esteem among young users. The anonymity and wide reach of social media platforms can make individuals vulnerable to abuse, fostering feelings of isolation.
While the negative impacts are increasingly documented, the full extent of social media's long-term effects on the psychological development of Kenyan Gen Z remains an area of ongoing research. There are also ongoing debates about the effectiveness of current policy interventions and the need for stricter regulations to mitigate misuse, such as proposals for National ID requirements for social media accounts.
The balance between harnessing social media for positive social change, as seen in recent youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024, and mitigating its detrimental effects on individual mental health presents a complex challenge for policymakers and society.
The Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) is currently underway, aiming to transform mental health care systems. The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, launched on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, by President William Ruto, seeks to empower unemployed youth through startup funding and skills development, indirectly addressing some socio-economic pressures that can exacerbate mental health issues.
Observers will be watching for the implementation and impact of government initiatives aimed at improving mental health services and digital literacy among youth. The ongoing development of digital interventions like AkiliBora will also be crucial in providing accessible support. Furthermore, the evolving role of social media in political discourse and social activism, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, will continue to shape public debate and policy.
