In a remarkable display of civic activism, young Kenyans, commonly known as Gen Z, have been protesting for the past two week in response to the government’s proposed 2024 Finance bill. Their relentless push prompted President Ruto to decline signing the bill and instead recommended that the parliament withdraw it entirely.
The protests, which have swept major cities and towns across the country, have seen young people take to the streets carrying placards with anti-government slogans. Their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Kenya has sparked intense reactions from the government, resulting in loss of life and property destruction.
Despite remaining leaderless and tribeless, the youth have managed to force the government to reevaluate its approach to addressing their grievances. In a bid to find a peaceful resolution, President Ruto has called for dialogue with the young protesters, hoping to find ways to address their concerns and work towards a more inclusive and responsive government.
In a surprising turn of events, the youth have now demanded that the Cabinet be dissolved and there be no reshuffling. This new demand reflects their desire for a complete overhaul of the government’s structure and leadership, in the hopes of creating a more transparent and accountable system.
The protests serve as a stark reminder of the power of youth activism and the importance of listening to the voices of the younger generation in shaping the future of their country. As the government and the youth continue their dialogue, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable, and it’s time for a new era of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Kenya.
Photo courtesy of standard media: Gen z youths protesting in the Nairobi streets.