Sitting on my laptop writing this article, I am overwhelmed with emotions. I am angry about the status of the Kenyan socio-political/ economic environment, and hopefully for the future and the power Kenyan citizens hold in their hands. It has been quite some time since I have felt as patriotic as I have the last few days. The energy Kenyan citizens all over the country showed and continue to show protesting against the 2024 finance bill is ecstatic. 

What is Civic Tech?

Civic technology (civic tech) refers to the use of technology (mainly digital technology) to enhance civic engagement, strengthen communities, and improve the delivery of public services. It encompasses many initiatives and tools that foster collaboration between governments, citizens, nonprofits and the private sector to address social challenges and improve public outcomes. 

Civic tech leverages the power of technology to empower citizens, enhance government responsiveness, and foster more inclusive and participatory societies.

In Kenya Now

Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, organizing demonstrations, and mobilizing the public. The 2024 Finance Bill aims to increase and introduce new taxes, sparked widespread discontent across Kenya, leading to protests and public outcry. In response, various forms of technology emerged as assertive communication, coordination, and advocacy tools.

Firstly, social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have become central hubs for sharing information and rallying support. Activists and ordinary citizens used these platforms to inform people about what the bill entails (including ChatGPT versions to assist) and disseminate updates on protest locations, timings, and key developments. This helped galvanize widespread participation and keep the momentum of the protests alive.

Secondly, mobile technology played a pivotal role in organizing on-the-ground activities. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are being used to create and manage protest groups, coordinate logistics such as transportation and supplies, and ensure the safety of demonstrators. Zello is being used as Walky Talkies for protestors to communicate with each other.

Additionally, using live streaming and citizen journalism via smartphones enabled protesters to document events as they unfolded and broadcast them to a global audience. 

Furthermore, technology facilitates international solidarity and support for protests. Kenyan diaspora communities and global human rights organizations used online platforms to amplify the protesters' voices, raise awareness internationally, and pressure the Kenyan government to address grievances. 

How Civic Tech Can Help

As we utilize existing technology and develop new tech (especially in the age of AI), the civic space should be included in the advancement. Civic Tech can support but is not limited to:

1. Citizen Engagement: Platforms and tools that enable citizens to participate in governance, provide feedback on public policies, and contribute to decision-making processes

2. Open Government: Initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and accessibility of government data and information

3. Service Delivery: Applications and services that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, such as healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities

4. Community Building: Technologies that facilitate community organizing, grassroots activism and collaboration among individuals and organizations with shared goals

Conclusion

As technology evolves, its role in shaping the dynamics of protest movements worldwide will remain pivotal, reflecting its potential as a force for democratic/social change and its susceptibility to manipulation and control. While it empowers citizens and fosters transparency, it also poses challenges such as misinformation, surveillance, and government crackdowns on digital freedoms - highlighting the vulnerability of digital channels in contested political environments.

Protecting civic space is paramount, and using technology to achieve this is key. Civic actors (individuals and organizations) must be part of the digital transformation process. 

Tech For Nonprofits (tfn)

Tfn is a platform (currently under construction) that aims to democratize access to advanced tech for nonprofits in Kenya. My team and I are currently working on aligning tech innovators with nonprofit needs (internally) and in implementing their projects to catalyze meaningful social change and protect the shrinking civic space in Kenya. We will be launching the landing page soon for more info on tfn. Watch This Pace!