YOUNG JOURNALIST

 The TikTok Effect: How the App is Shaping Youth Culture and Mental Health Over the past few years, TikTok has become more than just a platform for dancing challenges and lip-syncs. Among Kenyan youth, it has grown into a cultural force, shaping trends, influencing values, and even affecting mental health. With millions of active users in the country, TikTok is now a digital playground where young people express themselves, build brands, and seek validation. A Shift in Culture For many young Kenyans, TikTok is a space of creativity and self-expression. Trends born on the app—like fashion styles, music, slang, and comedy—spread rapidly and influence offline behaviors. Youth now look to TikTok creators for inspiration, making the app a new cultural compass. Content that once took months to influence society can now go viral in minutes, shaping how the younger generation thinks, behaves, and interacts. Mental Health Implications While TikTok offers fun and fame, it also comes with dow...

 Boniface Mwangi’s Arrest and Court Release The human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been charged with unlawful possession of teargas canisters and a blank rifle round, following protests triggered by the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang. He was released on bail after a court appearance amid accusations that authorities are targeting dissenters.   By Jane Prety