Youth protest against finance bill

Kenya’s normally peaceful streets were marked by unprecedented mobilisation as young people united under the slogan “Tuko wengi” (“There are many of us”) to speak out against the government’s finance bill and threaten new taxes.

The protest, which began on social networks under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, quickly gained momentum and sparked a series of large-scale demonstrations across the country.

An unprecedented movement: Occupy Parliament

The “Occupy Parliament” movement was born only a week ago, but it has already managed to mobilize thousands of young Kenyans. Outside of any political framework, determined Generation Z used social networks to coordinate their actions and make their voices heard. In Nairobi, thousands of protesters took to the streets, holding signs and chanting slogans against the bill. Their mobilization was so strong that it forced the government to Announced the reversal of certain controversial tax measuresdespite calls from protesters for the bill to be withdrawn entirely.

Clear demands and firm opposition

The 2024-2025 Finance Bill proposes the introduction of new taxes, including a 16% VAT on bread and a 2.5% annual tax on private cars. It also provides for a 2.75% income tax on the national health insurance program and increases in taxes on vegetable oils and fuels.

Although President William Ruto has withdrawn some of the measures, protesters say it is not enough. They are demanding the bill be withdrawn in its entirety and decrying taxes they say are unfair and disadvantageous to the poorest.

Massive demonstrations and violent clashes

While most of the protests took place in the capital, Nairobi, other cities including Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru were also affected. Young people across the country marched with whistles and vuvuzelas to express their discontent.

Police cracked down heavily, using tear gas grenades and water cannon. In Nairobi, these clashes unfortunately left one protester dead and at least 200 people arrested.

Also read: Kenya protests against budget bill: Tear gas and arrests in Nairobi

A generation determined not to suffer anymore

Young protesters, mostly from a population with an average age of 19, are determined not to give in. They refuse to suffer the same restrictions as their parents and want a more just and equitable future. Despite the lack of clear leadership, their strength lies in their numbers and their determination to oppose what they see as unjust and punitive government measures.

What is the future of the Finance Bill?

Although Parliament must vote on the finance bill by June 30, the outcome of this confrontation remains uncertain. Will the government be able to calm the anger of the youth by amending the project sufficiently to make it acceptable? Or will the protests continue and force the text to be withdrawn altogether? What is certain is that Kenyan Generation Z Showing that she is ready to fight for her rights and future, and use every platform available to make her voice heard.