Kenya’s streets have echoed with the voices of a new generation. Gen Z, the digitally native and socially conscious youth, has taken a stand against the Finance Bill 2024, a proposed measure they believe unfairly burdens them. But their frustrations run deeper than this single piece of legislation. This is a generation yearning for change, one that feels its voice is unheard and its future uncertain.
The protests erupted in June 2024, sparked by the new Finance Bill. Young Kenyans saw it as a symbol of a government out of touch with their struggles. The bill proposes tax increases that many believe will disproportionately impact ordinary citizens, further squeezing an already strained economy. This economic discontent has its roots in a larger frustration with the government’s perceived lack of transparency and inefficiency. Gen Z feels their concerns about job opportunities, education, and a secure future are falling on deaf ears.
This isn’t just about economics, though. It’s about a yearning for a better Kenya. Gen Z has grown up in a rapidly developing nation, yet many feel excluded from the fruits of that progress. They see corruption and a lack of opportunity holding them back. They are the generation that has witnessed the power of social media and online activism, and they are using those tools to demand a seat at the table.
However, their message has been met with misunderstanding. Some portray them as disruptive and short-sighted. But these protests are not the actions of a generation out of control; they are the cries of a generation deeply concerned about their future. They are fighting for the right to be heard, for a government that works for them, and for an economy that offers them a chance to succeed.
Gen Z’s fight is not just for Kenya; it’s a message resonating with young people across the globe. They are the generation that will inherit the world’s challenges, and they are demanding a say in how those challenges are tackled. Their voices deserve to be heard, their concerns addressed. Kenya, and the world, stand at a crossroads. Will they listen to the demands of this new generation, or risk losing their voice in the din of an uncertain future?