KENYAN’s streets remain in turmoil as protests sparked by controversial tax hikes evolve into a broader outcry against deep-rooted economic disparities and perceived government accountability failures. At the forefront of this movement is a generation of young Kenyans who refuse to be silenced despite escalating police crackdowns.
The protests erupted earlier this year in response to a government-proposed finance bill that included various tax hikes amidst an already challenging economic environment. The bill incited public outrage, particularly among young people who viewed it as exacerbating the existing cost of living crisis. Claims of government corruption and mismanagement further fuelled the protests.
In response to the pressure, Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed almost his entire Cabinet and initiated the process of forming a new one. Despite these concessions, the demonstrations show no signs of abating.
Youth at the forefront
Young Kenyans are leading the demonstrations. Armed with smartphones and social media savvy, they have mobilised quickly, bypassing traditional media channels to organise, share information, and galvanise support for protests calling for Ruto’s resignation. They express a sense of fearlessness born from witnessing years of political corruption and economic hardship.
‘This is not just about taxes anymore,’ Wandia Njoya, a political analyst at Daystar University, told Anadolu news agency. ‘The protests have evolved into a demand for a better future where the youth are not perpetually marginalised.’
The demonstrations began in June, ignited by widespread frustration over government corruption and economic mismanagement. Young people expressed their anger by burning down a section of the parliament building during the initial wave of protests. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Kenyans assemble on the streets, often facing a heavy police response. According to the state-owned Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 50 people have been killed in confrontations with law enforcement.
Unyielding voices
Sheila Mwangi, a 24-year-old activist, is determined to continue protesting. ‘We are tired of empty promises. We have so many unresolved issues with this government,’ she says. ‘We want real change, not just for ourselves but for future generations.’
The grievances extend beyond the now-withdrawn finance bill, encompassing broader issues such as unemployment, police brutality, and lack of government accountability. ‘We don’t want people from the old Cabinet back, and we want the president to step down. We’ve endured years of broken promises and corrupt leadership,’ Mwangi adds.
Human rights activist David Karanja notes that police brutality has been a significant rallying point for the protesters. ‘The government’s heavy-handed approach has only strengthened the resolve of the youth to continue their fight,’ he tells Anadolu. Karanja emphasises that the regular demonstrations have become a powerful symbol of the people’s determination to hold the government accountable and demand a better future.
The way forward
According to political analyst Simon Mukhwana, if the confrontation between protesters and the government does not subside, it could lead to prolonged instability and further economic disruption. Alternatively, authorities could offer more substantial concessions, acknowledging that significant reforms are necessary to address the deep-rooted structural issues in the government. The worst-case scenario could see the situation spiral into violence, potentially resulting in a prolonged and bloody conflict.
‘The protests are a culmination of years of pent-up frustration and anger among the populace,’ Mukhwana explains. ‘People are fed up with the pervasive corruption, economic hardships, and lack of accountability from the government. The return of figures from the old Cabinet has only added fuel to the fire, as it shows a continuation of the same failed policies and leadership.’
Call for dialogue
As Kenya stands at a critical juncture, civic groups and international observers have called for immediate dialogue between the government and the protesters to avoid deeper chaos. The emphasis is on creating a platform where grievances can be addressed constructively, and a roadmap for reforms can be established.
The path forward remains uncertain, but addressing these protests requires the government to take tangible steps toward transparency, initiate meaningful reforms, and engage in genuine dialogue with the protesters. Without these actions, the unrest is likely to persist and potentially escalate.
Kenya’s situation is a reminder of the importance of accountable governance and addressing the needs of all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation.
