This year, we asked a hard question. Under the theme Voices Online: Courage, Silence and Harassment, we invited students across Kenya to sit with a reality many young people already know; that speaking out online can carry a cost: Threats, ridicule, coordinated attacks and silence chosen not out of indifference, but out of fear.
The competition was anchored in Amnesty International’s own research. Our 2025 report on tech-facilitated violence against human rights defenders documented how digital platforms are being weaponized to intimidate, silence and punish those who dare to speak.
The response was remarkable: 300 essays from 29 Human Rights Friendly Schools across the country. Each one represents a young person choosing to engage, to reflect, and to imagine a digital future worth fighting for.
Best Overall Students:
Christal Raninyo Adhiambo (Noonkopir Girls High School) – KAJIADO
Mark Igathe (Gendia High School) – HOMABAY
Best Overall School:
Mbita High School- HomaBay
Best Students Per Region:
Magret Mokeira (Senior Chief Musa Nyadusi) Kisii Region
Nadia Buhari (Koru Girls) Kisumu Region
Emmaunel Kenanda (Nyakongo Boys) Nyamira Region
Billy Graham (Kabianga School) Rift Valley Region
Their voices are shaping the future of digital rights, don’t miss this inspiring moment!