By Editorial || admin@shahiditv.co.ke
On a typical Thursday evening in Kenya, many young people are expected to tune into entertainment shows or scroll through celebrity gossip.
But at 8:00 p.m. EAT, over 1,000 young Kenyans gather online, not for amusement, but for a deeply engaging civic dialogue hosted by Shahidi TV on TikTok Live.
The topic on this particular evening: “The Youth’s Space in Kenyan Politics and the 2027 Elections.” From Nairobi to Kakamega, Mombasa to Turkana, a generation once viewed as politically apathetic is redefining civic participation, on its own terms and platforms.
The TikTok session brought together government officials, opposition leaders, Gen Z voices, and civic educators to examine youth unemployment, political disillusionment, and the rising trend of labour exportation as a policy response.
At the heart of this transformation is Shahidi TV, a fast-growing digital platform known for fearless civic education and unfiltered political discourse.
Using platforms like YouTube and especially TikTok, Shahidi TV has redefined civic learning. Its daily 8 p.m. TikTok Live sessions have become a routine for thousands of youth seeking to understand governance, question authority, and engage policymakers directly.
“We realized young people aren’t disengaged—they’re just disconnected from traditional platforms,” explains Violet Auma, Shahidi TV founder and editorial lead. “TikTok is where they are, so that’s where civic education must go.”
This approach is resonating. Unlike conventional civic education, which often unfolds in church halls or county offices, Shahidi’s format is visual, interactive, and unapologetically youth-focused.
The livestreams tackle topics others avoid corruption, police brutality, political betrayal, and most recently, the government’s push to export youth labour.
A particularly emotional moment emerged during the discussion on unemployment. With youth joblessness hovering around 35%, participants voiced frustration over limited domestic opportunities.
“We’ve gone to school, we’ve graduated, and yet our only option is to clean houses abroad? That’s not a policy, that’s abandonment,” said TikTok user @torosikaplagant.
Government officials defended the labour exportation initiative, citing protections through bilateral agreements. But not all were convinced.
“This is outsourcing failure,” argued panelist Josephat Waswa a youth participant. “Instead of fixing the economy here, we’re exporting our frustrations. What happens to nation-building when our best minds are abroad?”
With the 2027 elections fast approaching, a consensus emerged: the youth can no longer afford to be spectators. Civic awareness must now translate into political action—voter registration, candidacy, and policy influence.
“Youth must stop waiting for permission,” said activist Kevin Kidenda, a regular on Shahidi TV panels. “If you want space in politics, create it.”
Shahidi TV has taken this challenge head-on. Through its content from political explainers to budgeting panels it demystifies electoral processes and equips young people to contest and lead. One of its biggest achievements is its ability to host meaningful, balanced conversations between political elites and young citizens something rarely seen in mainstream media.
During the TikTok session, users grilled ruling and opposition leaders alike on issues like CDF misuse and climate inaction. It was a rare moment of unfiltered accountability, streamed live for all to witness.
“I’ve never seen anything like this on TV,” said user @kevo254. “Only on Shahidi do we get this level of engagement.”
By creating spaces where youth feel heard, Shahidi fosters something greater than viewership -ownership. The comment sections buzz with questions, critiques, and even topic suggestions, signaling a shift from passive consumption to active participation.
“Our goal isn’t to go viral,” says Auma. “It’s to go vital—to equip youth with knowledge that helps them intervene in their communities and challenge injustice.”
Indeed, memes, music, and trending formats allow Shahidi TV to attract and retain attention, while also fostering offline engagement. Some TikTok segments have sparked county-level youth forums and watch parties—turning civic learning into a social movement.
But the journey isn’t without challenges. Troll attacks, misinformation, burnout, and funding gaps threaten digital civic spaces. Many rural youth remain offline, left out of these critical conversations.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. As one viewer put it: “The revolution won’t be televised—it will be TikTok-ed. And we’re already live.”
Long dismissed as a “ticking time bomb,” Kenya’s youth are now asserting themselves as informed, engaged citizens. Platforms like Shahidi TV are proving that this generation is not lost—it’s learning, leading, and longing for a just and inclusive future.
All it needs is space, voice, and opportunity. And maybe, just maybe, a stable internet connection on a Thursday night.
Voices from the Live Session:
“This platform is not just about talking—it’s about transforming. Every day, we leave here sharper, louder, and more ready.” — Samuel Mwathi, UK-based Kenyan
“They say youth are leaders of tomorrow. But when tomorrow comes, they move the goalpost. We’re taking the field now.” — @kevo254
“For the first time, I feel heard. Not just seen or used. Shahidi makes us part of the conversation.” — @donaldokumu
