[Photo Courtesy]
Kenyans on social media have ganged up against President Ruto's government over the latest move in accepting to talk with the young generation of Kenyans dubbed Gen Zs in relation to the issues raised during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
In response to the growing unrest, President Ruto has outlined a roadmap to engage with the youth, as revealed in a statement by Felix Kosgei, the Head of Public Service.
[Photo Courtesy]
During a national address on June 26, 2024, President Ruto announced the formation of a National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the youth.
The NMSF will include a National Steering Committee of 100 members, tasked with creating a framework for a nationwide dialogue.
The core functions of this committee will include establishing the agenda, modalities, and timelines for discussions on several pressing issues.
[Photo Courtesy]
Key items on the agenda will cover employment opportunities, national tax policy, the national debt burden, representation and accountability, and anti-corruption measures.
Despite these efforts, many young Kenyans remain skeptical. Online discussions reveal a pervasive sense of disillusionment with the government's ability to deliver on its promises.
The pressure is now on President Ruto's administration to prove its commitment to addressing these issues substantively.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government can regain the trust of its younger constituents and effectively navigate the mounting challenges posed by the Finance Bill 2024 and its aftermath.