Kenya has sparked a continent-wide revolution as its youth take the lead in demanding accountability, transparency, and greater inclusivity in governance.
In the last three weeks, this spirit of rebellion has spread from Nairobi to Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania, reminiscent of the historic Pan-African movements that fought for independence.
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Africa, home to the world's youngest population, is witnessing a surge in protest movements with 70% of its people under 30, all demanding change.
The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, and now Kenya's #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests all share a common theme: youth spearheading the effort, organizing, chanting, marching, and effecting governance changes.
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On Tuesday, June 25, Kenyan youths flooded the streets in unprecedented numbers to reject President William Ruto’s Finance Bill 2024. This mobilization, led by Gen Z and other young Kenyans, forced the government to reconsider several unpopular tax proposals.
What began as a social media outcry on TikTok quickly escalated into a full-fledged revolt, independent of any political party.
In numerous parts of Kenya, hundreds of young protesters, dressed in sneakers and armed with smartphones, faced tear gas and police confrontations. They live-streamed these intense moments, showcasing their resilience and determination to a global audience.
Under President Ruto's leadership, the government achieved what generations of Kenyan politicians could not: uniting citizens across ethnic and party lines.
After three tumultuous days of protests over two weeks, culminating in a dramatic breach of Parliament Buildings, demonstrators successfully pushed President Ruto to concede and refer the contentious Finance Bill back to Parliament.
This achievement has resonated across the continent, empowering youth movements from Ghana, struggling with exacerbated financial constraints due to loans, to Nigeria, where recent contentious elections have spurred calls for comprehensive reforms.
In Nigeria, posters have emerged demanding an end to anti-people policies, excessive taxation, and electoral reform following contentious general elections in 2023.
Under the slogan 'We Are Not Slaves', Nigerians have called for a ten-day protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10, with demonstrations planned nationwide.
The posters outline 12 specific demands, including ending subsidy scams, reducing fuel prices below N300 per liter, reverting tertiary education fees to previous rates by reversing subsidies, and restoring affordable electricity tariffs.
Additionally, there are calls to return import duties to previous levels, publicly disclose and reduce the salaries and allowances of Senators, House of Representatives members, and the Speaker.
Protesters are also advocating for an emergency fund to support SMEs, ensuring the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the executive branch, transparent processes for appointing its chairman, and legislation mandating INEC to electronically transmit live electoral results.
Other demands include reopening borders with neighboring states following a military coup in Niger, declaring a state of emergency on inflation, and reforming the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) responsible for combating corruption.
In tweets shared on Kenyans.co.ke, Nigerian youths have praised Kenya's government turnaround, applauding the bravery of the youth in demanding change.
In Ghana, similar protests are scheduled for September 21-23. Amid its severest economic crisis in decades, Ghana witnessed the #OccupyJulorHouse protests last September, led by hundreds of young demonstrators. Attempts to approach Jubilee House, the presidential seat in Accra, were met with roadblocks and arrests by police.
The nation, rich in gold, oil, and cocoa, secured a $3 billion, three-year loan from the International Monetary Fund. Critics argue previous programs failed to address the cost-of-living crisis due to corruption and mismanagement, leading to a cabinet reshuffle that replaced Ghana's finance minister six months after the protests.
Indeed, Ghanaian protests have commenced, albeit subdued. Young leaders took to the streets, rallying others in a movement aimed at inspiring change across the West African nation.
In Tanzania, citizens have awakened to realize that some of the taxes protested in Kenya were legislated in the previous financial year, prompting many to seek explanations from their legislators. This dialogue highlights growing awareness and engagement among Tanzanians on fiscal policies impacting their lives.
Kenya's President William Ruto signed the Appropriations Bill 2024 at State House Nairobi.
Bigger Picture: Kenya's protests have sparked a desire for greater transparency and accountability across the region. Political commentators worldwide have applauded Kenya's Gen Z for targeting key macroeconomic policies.
While the outcomes of these movements remain uncertain, their impact is undeniable. Kenyan leaders are increasingly uneasy as youth rally against corruption.
According to Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the African Union's Deputy Chair, Africa loses $140 billion annually to corruption—an undeclared 'pandemic' that overshadows even the most ambitious infrastructure projects. This staggering amount could construct 28 dams like Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or eradicate hunger across the continent 28 times over, according to United Nations estimates.
Today's technology-driven connectivity has subjected previously untouchable figures to scrutiny. Lives and misdeeds are now exposed with a single search, empowering youth to demand better governance.
Kenya’s youth-led protests have set a precedent, demonstrating that collective action can compel governments to heed their voices.
LINK: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/102420-pan-african-spirit-reborn-kenyas-youth-led-revolt-inspires-african-youths?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=AK