A new poll by Infrotrak has named Gen Z as Kenya's most celebrated heroes of 2024.
The opinion survey conducted between September 27 and 28, 2024, sought to celebrate influential people whose actions and opinions have strongly influenced the cause of events in the country, shaped people’s views, perception and behaviour.
The survey highlighted Generation Z's significant impact on Kenya, with 23 per cent of respondents viewing them as emerging national heroes due to their contribution to environmental activism, social justice and technological solutions.
The Gen Z have been very vocal in championing for social justice causes through digital activism by leveraging social media platforms.
This was seen when the Gen Z organised peaceful protests to oppose the impugned Finance Bill, 2024, which they viewed was exacerbating inequality.
Campaigns such as #OccupyParliament demanding for better governance and positive economic reforms created change in the government.
The Gen Z have also been vocal on environmental activism calling for climate action, organizing clean-up campaigns and using various digital platforms to raise awareness about environmental degradation.
Veteran politician, Raila Odinga came second with 18 per cent. Rails's leadership, advocacy for social reforms and long-standing role in the Kenya's political landscape significantly shaping the country’s trajectory making him popular and hence considered a hero by many Kenyans, the poll revealed.
Three-time Olympic world champion, Faith Kipyegon, came in third in the survey raking 11 per cent approval rating.
Kipyegon is considered one of the greatest athletes in the world due to her sporting achievements amongst them setting two world records in 2023 in a span of weeks.
President William Ruto, his impeached deputy, Rigathi Gachagua and Embakasi MP Babu Owino tied in fourth place with eight per cent approval rating.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta scored seven per cent followed by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka with five per cent.
Political activist Morara Kebaso, marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and former CS Fred Matiang’i both stood at three per cent each.
Infotrak tabulated the poll after conducting computer assisted telephone interviews.
The survey targeted 800 respondents with a ±3.5 per cent margin of error at 95 per cent degree of confidence.
The survey covered all the eight regions of Kenya namely: Coast, Northern, Lower Eastern, Mt. Kenya, South Rift, North Rift, Nyanza, Western and Nairobi.