Exploring How Student Leaders in Universities in Kenya are Leveraging X (Twitter) for Political Activism.

Abstract

The increasing use of social media for political engagement has transformed contemporary activism, particularly among young people. In Kenya, youth have become key actors in digital political discourse, using X (formerly Twitter) and other online platforms to mobilize support, challenge governance issues, and advocate for policy change. This study explored how university student leaders in Kenya leverage X for political activism. Specifically, it examined how they use the platform to mobilize supporters, influence public opinion, and shape broader political movements and policy debates. Anchored in Yochai Benkler’s (2006) Networked Public Sphere theory, the study examined how digital networks facilitate participatory communication and collective action within student leadership. Using a qualitative exploratory design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten student leaders from various faculties at the University of Nairobi. Participants were selected based on their active involvement in student governance and consistent use of X for advocacy and political engagement. The data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns in how student leaders utilize X for mobilization, engagement, and influence. Findings revealed that X serves as a powerful tool for political mobilization, peer engagement, and public visibility. Student leaders use X Spaces, hashtags, and threads to coordinate protests, share policy perspectives, and broaden their reach beyond the university. However, they also face significant challenges such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and inconsistent internet access, which limit sustained participation. The study further demonstrated that X enables decentralized participation in civic discourse, supporting Benkler’s (2006) conception of the Networked Public Sphere where individuals act as both content producers and civic participants. The study concludes that X empowers student leaders by amplifying their voices and expanding their visibility while simultaneously exposing them to new vulnerabilities. This dual experience illustrates the balance between empowerment and risk within digital activism. The findings affirm that X functions as a networked public sphere, enabling participatory, decentralized, and real-time political engagement among student leaders. This research contributes to development communication scholarship. In particular advocacy communication, participatory media, and digital activism, by highlighting how digital platforms are reshaping youth political engagement in Kenya. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and university administrators seeking to enhance youth participation in governance. Key recommendations include: (1) universities should provide digital literacy and online safety training to promote responsible and secure activism; (2) policymakers and university administrations should formally integrate social media engagement into student governance frameworks; and (3) civil society organizations should strengthen mentorship and digital capacity-building programs to support ethical and sustained youth activism in digital spaces.