Analogue laws, digital streets: re-engineering Kenya's public order management framework for the Gen Z era

Abstract

Kenya’s public order management has faced growing pressure with the emergence of Gen Z protests that are organized and sustained through digital platforms. Unlike conventional protests, these forms of mobilization can develop quickly, involve loosely connected groups and change direction with little warning, making policing approaches based on centralized intelligence, hierarchical coordination and reactive crowd control increasingly difficult to apply. This article was grounded on the governance theory and the procedural justice theory. Against this background, the study explored how Kenya’s law enforcement agencies can adjust their public order management strategies to respond to digitally coordinated Gen Z protests effectively and lawfully, while strengthening accountability, institutional legitimacy and public trust. A qualitative documentary research design was adopted, drawing on 35–40 relevant documents published between 2017 and 2025, including legislation, institutional reports, human rights reports, academic studies and policy documents. The information gathered was analysed through qualitative content and thematic analysis, guided by Governance Theory and Procedural Justice Theory. The findings point to several challenges within the existing public order management approach, particularly in digital intelligence, inter-agency coordination, preparedness, communication, de-escalation and accountability. They also show that concerns about the use of force and the fairness with which protesters are treated can weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions. Based on these findings, the study argues that Kenya’s public order management framework needs to move beyond predominantly reactive and force-oriented practices towards a more proactive, flexible and rights-based approach that responds to the realities of digitally coordinated protests. It recommends strengthening digital intelligence and early-warning systems, improving coordination among relevant institutions, establishing effective dialogue and engagement mechanisms, enhancing training in de-escalation and procedural justice, and strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public protests.