Digital Uprising – AI Tools Fuel Kenyan Protest Movement

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Technology always influences policy, communication and government – and today we're looking at how AI has already been employed by citizens in Kenya who are protesting a controversial set of financial changes proposed this year.

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Here are all the details from Nyasha on how AI is affecting the Kenyan protest movement...

Kenya is witnessing a new use of AI in its citizens' ongoing protests against government policies. The nationwide demonstrations, sparked by the Kenyan Finance Bill 2024's controversial tax hikes, have seen Kenyan youth employing AI to organize and amplify their dissent. This movement shows the significant role of AI in modern activism, while also showcasing its potential to drive social and political change. The protesters' advanced use of technology demonstrates a shift in how activism is conducted today. These efforts also show the adaptability and creativity of the younger generation in leveraging AI tools for their cause.

The Finance Bill 2024, which proposed various tax increases, sparked widespread discontent among Kenyans, leading to nationwide protests. Among the AI tools used by protesters are the Corrupt Politicians GPT and the Finance Bill GPT. The Corrupt Politicians GPT reveals corruption cases involving Kenyan politicians, while the Finance Bill GPT breaks down the bill’s impact and shares lawmakers’ contact details for direct communication. These AI tools have played a major role in educating the public and mobilizing them to take action. They have become essential in rallying support and ensuring that the movement’s messages reach a broad audience.

Gen Z, the generation driving these protests, has displayed remarkable ingenuity in their use of AI and digital media. They have harnessed platforms like TikTok and X to coordinate protests, share information, and even crowdfund for medical bills and funeral costs. AI has been instrumental in creating content that amplifies the movement’s messages, including images, songs, and videos. This has helped the protests gain traction and reach a wider audience, further strengthening their impact. The use of AI shows just how technological savvy this generation is and may change activism going forward.

There are a few things that AI couldn’t help the protesters with. Government interference, such as suspected internet slowdowns during protests, poses a significant hurdle. These disruptions can hinder communication and the effectiveness of organizing, making it difficult for protesters to coordinate and share real-time updates. For example, buffering, lags in downloading files, and interruptions to services on key apps can severely limit the flow of information. Also, the government has the capability to monitor online activities and implement targeted shutdowns, further complicating the use of AI tools. Despite these setbacks, the resilience of Kenyan protesters in adapting and overcoming such obstacles is noteworthy. They have found ways to bypass some of these restrictions, such as using lesser-known apps or creating offline networks to maintain their momentum.

The ongoing protests in Kenya illustrate the transformative power of AI in activism. By leveraging AI tools, young Kenyans have organized a strong movement that has influenced national policy and brought attention to critical issues. While challenges like government interference persist, the spirit and creativity of these activists show the potential of AI to drive meaningful change. This movement sets a new precedent for political participation in Kenya, showcasing the importance of AI in modern activism. The future of activism in Kenya, and perhaps globally, may well be defined by how effectively AI tools are utilized.

Until next time,

– Rob, Nyasha and the IWAI Team

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