Reflections on Mombasa: Decoloniality, Aid, and Youth Power in Africa

Introduction

In November 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a research-focused trip to Mombasa, Kenya, funded by the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). The trip was part of a broader initiative aimed at exploring the impacts of decolonisation in various academic and cultural contexts. Through this journey, I gained valuable insights into the role of historical legacies and colonial influence on today’s systems, and how they shape both education and economic development in Africa.

My trip to Mombasa, Kenya, was not just about discovering a new place—it was an opportunity to connect with the shared history and struggles of African nations. As a Zambian, the experience was deeply personal, revealing parallels between the colonial legacies, political challenges, and aspirations for change that Kenya and my own country face. Through the lens of financial decoloniality, aid, and youth resistance to corruption, this journey highlighted Africa’s resilience and its ongoing fight for self-determination.

Financial Decoloniality: Moving Beyond Aid and Dependency

One of the central themes of the trip was financial decoloniality—the urgent need to separate Africa from the exploitative economic systems that were entrenched during colonial rule. These structures persist today through mechanisms like foreign aid, which often fosters dependency rather than empowerment.

In Mombasa’s markets, I witnessed the power of local entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation, a reminder of the untapped potential across the continent. The challenge is ensuring that African economies are not beholden to external systems but instead thrive through locally driven solutions. Reflecting on Zambia’s experiences, I saw parallels in how both nations struggle with external economic control and systemic inequality. It reinforced my belief in the importance of exploring alternative financial models, such as microfinance and digital currencies to break free from these cycles.

Corruption and Resistance in Kenya’s Political Landscape

Kenya, like many African nations, continues to grapple with the corrosive effects of corruption. During the trip, conversations about Kenya’s political landscape revealed the complex and pervasive nature of corruption and how it undermines trust in governance.

However, what stood out was the active resistance to corruption by Kenyan youth. This resistance goes beyond protests—it is a well-organised fight for transparency, accountability, and the restoration of public trust in institutions. Their ability to mobilise, sustain pressure, and amplify their demands is particularly striking. This made me reflect on similar struggles in Zambia, where civil society and grassroots movements are working toward systemic change, but often lack the same level of cohesion and strategic action. Corruption, as I’ve come to understand it, is not just a political failure but a societal challenge that demands a unified, collective response—something Zambia’s youth can learn to strengthen from Kenya’s example.

Youth Uprisings: A Fight for Transparency and Accountability

One of the most powerful aspects of the trip was learning about the role of Kenyan youth in challenging corruption and demanding accountability. Kenya’s youth uprisings are a testament to the courage and determination of a generation that refuses to accept the status quo. These movements are grounded in the belief that lasting change requires not only resistance but also the reimagining of governance structures that prioritise the needs of citizens over the interests of elites.

As a Zambian, this resonated deeply with me. While I’ve seen the power of youth in my own country, where young voices are beginning to shape conversations around economic justice, and political accountability, I felt a strong sense that Zambia’s youth still have lessons to learn from the level of organisation and collective action demonstrated by Kenyan youth. The energy, creativity, and strategic resistance I observed in Kenya serve as both a beacon of hope and a challenge—a reminder that our future lies in our ability to not only reclaim our narratives but also to unite and organise effectively to chart our own path forward.

Cultural Connections: A Shared History of Resilience

Beyond the political and economic themes, the cultural aspects of the trip provided a deeply personal connection. Exploring the history of Mombasa’s tribes, their pre-colonial formations, and the resilience they demonstrated during colonial rule mirrored the stories I have heard about Zambia’s own cultural heritage.

I was particularly struck by the linguistic similarities between Swahili and my native language, highlighting the interconnectedness of African cultures despite the artificial borders imposed by colonial powers. However, the post-colonial legacy of tribalism as a divisive tool felt all too familiar, echoing challenges faced by many African nations, including my own.

Lessons Learned: Decoloniality as a Collective Journey

This trip was a powerful reminder that decoloniality is not just a theoretical framework; it is a lived and ongoing process. Financial decoloniality requires us to dismantle exploitative systems and foster local empowerment. Fighting corruption demands accountability and collective action. As I saw in Kenya, Africa’s youth are leading the way with resilience and determination.

For me, as a Zambian, this journey reinforced the importance of collaboration across borders to address shared challenges. Mombasa’s history, Kenya’s youth movements, and its vibrant culture are a testament to the power of collective resistance and the promise of an Africa that defines its own future.

As I reflect on the trip, I carry with me the words of Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai: “The generation that destroys the environment is not the generation that pays the price. That is the problem.” This sentiment applies not only to the environment but also to corruption and systemic inequality. It is up to Africa’s youth to resist, reimagine, and rebuild—and to continue the work of decolonising not just our systems but our minds.