Real-Time Consumer Data
Gen Z Demands in Kenya : A Broken Telephone Analogy
By Paul Mwirigi Muriungi
The Broken Telephone , also known as Chinese Whispers , is a classic children ' s game that involves players passing a message along a line . The game starts with one person whispering a message to the next player , who then whispers what they heard to the next person , and so on .
The fun and chaos ensue because , as the message travels , it often gets distorted or altered , resulting in a final message that is significantly different from the original . The game highlights how easily information can change when communicated through multiple people , emphasizing themes of miscommunication , interpretation , and the reliability of information . It ’ s often used to illustrate how gossip and rumours can evolve in social situations .
The Broken Telephone games are a great way of improving your child ' s focus and concentration as they concentrate on listening to the words spoken to them and passing them on correctly . They are also a fun way of practising speaking and listening skills too .
Sadly , Gen Z ' s demands to the political and ruling class may have fallen on deaf ears as the stages of ‘ maandamano ’ came to a close after the # NaneNane protests , held on the same day that Kenyan President William Ruto appointed 19 ministers approved by Parliament , after a rather relaxed vetting exercise conducted by the Committee on Appointments Chaired by the Speaker , Rt . Hon . ( Dr .) Moses Wetang ' ula .
This is why the Gen Z demands in Kenya can be likened to the Broken Telephone game in several ways :
Generational Gap : The older generations , often in positions of power and influence , might not fully comprehend Gen Z ' s aspirations . This leads to a misinterpretation of their demands , similar to the game where the initial message is lost in translation .
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Societal Norms and Values : Established societal norms and values can act as filters , distorting Gen Z ' s demands as they are perceived and addressed . This is akin to the game where each player adds their interpretation .
Media Influence : Media often plays a role in shaping public perception of Gen Z . This has led to stereotypes and oversimplifications , further distorting the original message .
Information Distortion : Just as messages get distorted in Broken Telephone , Gen Z ' s demands and perspectives are often influenced by multiple sources , including social media , peers , and news outlets . The way these demands were communicated shifted from the original intention , leading to misinterpretations or exaggerated claims .
Echo Chambers : Gen Z often engage with content that aligns with their beliefs and values , creating echo chambers . As different groups interpreted and shared these demands , the original message evolved significantly , similar to how whispers change in the game . Just like the game where a message gets distorted as it ' s passed along , Gen Z ' s desires and needs often transformed as they filtered through various societal layers and avoided getting lost in the echo chambers .
Rapid Spread of Ideas : In both scenarios , information spreads quickly . Gen Z utilized social media platforms to amplify their demands , much like the speed at which a message travels in the game . However , the rapid spread led to misunderstandings and miscommunication .
Variability in Understanding : Just as players in Broken Telephone may interpret whispers differently , different segments of Gen Z in Kenya had varied interpretations of the same demand based on their backgrounds , experiences , and exposure to different viewpoints .
Shift in Context : As the game progresses , the context of the original message can change . Similarly , Gen Z ' s demands in Kenya — such as calls for climate action , political accountability , or social justice — got reshaped by ongoing events , cultural shifts , or emerging trends , leading to evolving priorities and expressions .
Authenticity vs . Noise : In the game , the original message can get lost in noise . Likewise , Gen Z ' s demands got overshadowed by sensationalized media coverage , memes , or misinformation , making it challenging to discern the genuine issues they were advocating for . At some point , even the LGBT agenda crept in , which was not originally on the agenda table .
In essence , Gen Z ' s demands , which had often been rooted in a desire for accountability , inclusivity , sustainability , and democratic advancement , became muddled as they navigated through a political and ruling class with different perspectives and priorities . This dynamic created challenges in effectively addressing their needs and aspirations .
Understanding how Gen Z ' s demands in Kenya reflected the dynamics of Broken Telephone underscores the importance of clear communication and authenticity . Engaging directly with the source of these demands - whether through dialogue , surveys , or community involvement - can help ensure that the true messages are heard and addressed effectively .
Paul Mwirigi Muriungi is the Founder and Managing Director of Capital One Group East Africa , a marketing communications firm specialising in reputation management , brand building and brand positioning . You can communicate with him via mail at : Paul . Mwirigi @ gmail . com .