Why Gen Z are mobilising on TikTok to build hospital

Young Kenyans on TikTok are daring to dream. Based on video clips shared by content creators, there are plans to crowdfund for a Level 5 hospital, highlighting the growing mistrust in the government’s ability, or commitment, to provide essential services.

Estimates suggest the hospital could cost Sh4 billion. Raising this amount would be daunting. Although they are yet to make concrete steps towards setting up the TikTok Community Hospital, its tentative name, the steep climb ahead does not seem to intimidate them.

“Nimeskia maGen-Z kuna vile kuna plan ya kujiundia hosi yetu (I’ve heard that there are plans to have us Generation Z to build a hospital),” a voice in a clip shared by Shujaa Humphrey, a TikTok creator, says in Sheng’, a slang spoken by Kenya’s urban youth. “Hosi moja genje. Kila kitu itakuwa bure (A marvellous hospital. Every service will be free of charge).”

How do they plan to finance the hospital? “Endelea kushangaa (keep wondering),” he tells doubters. “Tupatane mbele. Mimi kwanza wanidunge paybill nitume simiti yangu moja (They should furnish me with the paybill so that I send my contribution for cement).”

Mobilisers of this cause draw inspiration from their crowdfunding for other causes. A few days ago, they came through for a 17-year-old TikTok creator, Vincent Kaluma, who has been struggling to care for his ailing father.

Young people have come through for others in distress through movements like Sisi kwa Sisi, spearheaded by comedian Eric Omondi. In 2023, they raised funds online to support treatment for those injured in anti-tax protests and help offset burial costs for those who died.

Economic protest

The TikTok hospital idea may well be a “pipe dream,” as many, even those who have said they would contribute to building it, have dismissed it. But it exposes the exasperation among the youth over apparent poor service delivery.

Lovine Oreta, 23, said the idea is like “an economic protest.”

“The government should be reminded that if it has gotten to the point where citizens must crowdfund to build hospitals, then things are truly on the edge,” said Oreta, arguing that basic healthcare had deteriorated.

The youth have promised to act on bad governance. The 2027 election provides them a platform to express their frustrations. The journey to the elections started on Monday, when the Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC) resumed continuous voter registration at the commission’s constituency offices.

IEBC plans to register 6.3 million new voters, most of whom comprise the Gen-Z that rattled Kenya with protests last and this year. At the height of the protests, many of them said they would register enough numbers to decide Kenya’s next president.

But media reports point to a slow start to the process, as young Kenyans largely stay away. On social media, they do not seem to be mobilising as vigorously as they did for the protests.

Peter K’opiyo, 23, said he was planning to enlist, which he hails as “the only way to bring change,” but added he did not know where the registration was happening.

“There is a need for more public awareness, sensitisation and mobilisation campaigns,” he said.

Kamau Ngugi, the executive director of the Defenders Coalition, an umbrella of rights groups, said that young Kenyans “don’t want to feel coerced into registering as voters,” but a “very good case” should be made on why they should participate in the electoral process.

He argued that the IEBC should use technology to woo the youth.

“What are the tools that should be used to reach out to them and engage them?” Ngugi posed. “We’ve seen the youth using social media to mobilise, but we want to confine them in some corner… the IEBC should be much more mobile and provide for the use of technology.”

The Standard spoke to 15 young Kenyans, some of whom are unregistered, asking them about whether they plan to vote in the next election and their motivations for doing so.

Oreta said she enlisted as a voter in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, in 2022 and voted in the election.

“I believe the change we all desire starts with the decisions we make at the ballot, and our leaders are a reflection of the choices we make. Voting is not only a civic duty for every citizen, but also an act of responsibility to future generations. We owe them a better nation,” she said.

Boletta Ngere, 25, from Kisumu Central is planning to register in the ongoing process. She said she wants to be involved in deciding her future and in holding leaders accountable.

“Interests vary, and at least I can choose one with my interests involved,” said Ngere, adding that she hopes the next crop of leaders can entrench good governance.

So does Eugine Opondo, 26, who registered as soon as enlisting was reopened this week.

“Come 2027, I will be there to vote out the bad leadership we have currently led by President (William) Ruto,” he said. Opondo took issue with the “con game” he said the government is playing with its new social health insurance scheme.

Jane Njeri, 23, said she is planning to register soon “to see whether my vote will make a difference.” This feeling is shared by many more, like Edwin Wachira, 24, who registered to vote in 2022.

Joel Wafula, 23: “I am a registered voter and am planning to vote. The reason is to remove bad leaders.”

Akoth Opiyo, 23: “I am a registered voter. Although I have never voted, this time I must. I believe my one vote can make a difference. (I plan to) Elect a non-corrupt leader who is capable of creating strategies that benefit every citizen.”

Linah Kamande, 25: “I am already a registered voter, and I would urge everyone to register to vote out all these corrupt leaders.”

Leah Nyawara, 24: “I have registered to vote because I believe it is my right and an opportunity to elect the leaders of my choice.”

Samuel Kazungu, 28: “I registered as a voter back in 2022. My main reason for taking the voter’s card was to participate in the election leaders with the vision I wanted.”

Elijah Omondi Odiwuor, 23: “I have registered as a voter because I believe there should be a change of leadership.”

Ruth Mochore, 25: “I haven’t registered yet, but I will when I get time. I need to actively participate in creating the change I would like to see.”

Tracy Agani, 22: “I have registered but I’m planning to change my voting station due to convenience and who I want in my region of interest.”

Jacob Ochiro: “I have been a registered voter since 2021 and I voted in the last election.”