Uasin Gishu Youth Launch Viral #KenyaBeyondTribes Movement to Crush Tribal Politics and Misinformation in Kenya
By EVE N NJERI
A new wave of youth-led civic activism is gaining momentum in Uasin Gishu County after young advocates launched the #KenyaBeyondTribes campaign, a digital movement aimed at confronting political polarization, misinformation, and ethnic-based mobilization in Kenyan politics.
The initiative follows the successful completion of a Maskani training workshop on media advocacy and digital literacy, held at the Family Care facility in Uasin Gishu County. The program brought together local youth groups and equipped them with practical skills in digital communication, fact-checking, and strategic storytelling to enhance their role in civic engagement.
A key highlight of the training was an intensive historical session led by Dr. Kawive Wambua, CEO and Executive Director of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, who guided participants through Kenya’s political evolution. He emphasized how control of public narratives has historically been used to deepen divisions, urging the youth to challenge the long-standing “mtu wetu” (our person) political mindset and instead embrace issue-based civic participation.
Trainer Linet Akoko further challenged participants to responsibly use digital platforms to advance social accountability rather than political manipulation. She encouraged young people to become active watchdogs in their communities by leveraging social media to demand transparency and uphold human rights.
The impact of the training was evident in group projects that emerged during the workshop. One youth group, The CHAMPS, developed advocacy strategies addressing local governance concerns under the #DignityBeyondLife campaign, which calls for humane treatment and dignity in the handling of unclaimed bodies in public mortuaries.
At the same time, participants have amplified their digital activism through the #KenyaBeyondTribes campaign, a growing online movement aimed at dismantling ethnic-based politics and promoting national unity through issue-based discourse.
Youth leaders involved in the initiative say the training has reshaped their understanding of civic responsibility, turning online platforms into tools for advocacy, accountability, and national cohesion rather than division.
As the campaign gains traction, it reflects a broader generational shift in Kenya’s civic space—one increasingly driven by digitally empowered youth determined to redefine political engagement beyond ethnic lines.
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