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In Nairobi, a fresh wave of youthful demonstrators has pushed the Kenyan government to rethink controversial tax proposals. The protests, sparked by discontent on TikTok, have seen the younger generation rallying without the influence of political parties.
President William Ruto’s administration, which has stirred unprecedented unity among Kenyans beyond ethnic and political lines, now faces a formidable opponent. On Tuesday, hundreds of young protesters, many in casual attire and carrying smartphones, marched through Nairobi’s central business district, despite facing tear gas from police. Their goal: to oppose a finance bill seen as overly burdensome in a country already grappling with high taxes and limited public benefits.
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The protesters, primarily from Generation Z, have utilized social media to organize and share their grievances. Live-streaming intense confrontations and using hashtags like “#OccupyParliament” and “#RejectFinanceBill2024,” they have voiced their displeasure over proposed taxes on essentials like bread, sanitary pads, cooking oil, mobile money services, and motor vehicles. The backlash has led the government to retract some of the bill’s contentious aspects, such as a proposed 16% VAT on bread.
Prominent figures like Zaha Indimuli and Ken Makilya, a 24-year-old university student, expressed their motivations for protesting. Indimuli highlighted TikTok’s role in educating and mobilizing young people, while Makilya emphasized a sense of duty to advocate for better conditions on behalf of his elderly parents.
The protests have avoided the looting and property destruction typical of past demonstrations. They’ve also maintained a clear focus on economic issues, rather than political or ethnic divides. Over 200 protesters were arrested, but many were later released thanks to legal interventions. The movement’s lack of centralized leadership has made it challenging for authorities to suppress it effectively.
The government’s acknowledgment of the protests’ impact came swiftly. Following the demonstrations, President Ruto and his finance committee announced the removal of several proposed taxes. The revisions aim to shield Kenyans from escalating living costs. This rapid concession underscores the influence and potential of digitally coordinated grassroots movements.
The success of Kenya’s Gen Z in effecting change through peaceful protest and digital activism may inspire similar movements in other nations facing economic pressures. In Ghana, where citizens have voiced frustrations over rising living costs, such grassroots initiatives could gain traction if the government fails to address economic hardships. Like in Kenya, a digitally savvy generation might lead the charge, using social media platforms to rally support and demand accountability.
