Kenyan youths( Gen Z) protests against the finance bill 2024/2025
In recent weeks, Kenya has witnessed a wave of protests that have reshaped the landscape of public activism in the country. Spearheaded predominantly by young people, including members of Generation Z, these demonstrations have emerged as a forceful response to proposed tax increases and levies outlined in a contentious finance bill. The protests, which unfolded primarily in Nairobi but also spread to other cities across Kenya, have underscored a profound discontent among the youth regarding the government’s fiscal policies.
At the heart of these demonstrations was the proposed finance bill, which included measures perceived as burdensome to the average Kenyan, such as taxes on basic necessities like bread, sanitary pads for women, diapers, and even car ownership. These provisions were seen as exacerbating the economic strain already felt by many citizens, particularly in light of existing challenges such as inflation and unemployment.
What distinguished these protests was their organic nature and their reliance on digital platforms for organization and mobilization. Under hashtags like #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024, young Kenyans took to social media to coordinate their actions and amplify their demands. This decentralized approach marked a departure from traditional forms of protest leadership, eschewing established political figures or civil society organizations in favor of a grassroots, leaderless movement.
Moreover, the success of these protests in influencing governmental policy was significant. In response to the sustained pressure and widespread public outcry, the government ultimately yielded and announced the withdrawal of several contentious provisions from the finance bill. This outcome not only reflected the effectiveness of youth-led activism but also highlighted a newfound power in collective action driven by digital tools and social media platforms.
Beyond their immediate impact on fiscal policy, these protests have broader implications for the future of civic engagement in Kenya. They have demonstrated the potential of young people to catalyze change independently of traditional power structures, signaling a shift towards more inclusive and participatory forms of democracy. By leveraging their digital prowess and mobilizing through social media, Generation Z has carved out a space for themselves as influential agents of social and political change.
They have highlighted the potency of social media as a tool for mobilization and advocacy, and they have underscored the growing influence of Generation Z in shaping Kenya’s political future. As the dust settles from these demonstrations, their legacy will likely endure as a testament to the power of grassroots movements in effecting tangible governmental change.
