A police officer fires tear gas at demonstrators protesting against Kenya's proposed Finance Bill 2024/2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenya’s Finance Bill Protests: A Nation Divided

Introduction

Kenya has recently been gripped by protests, a consequence of the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025, which has sparked widespread public anger and ignited a fierce debate about the country’s economic future.

The Seeds of Discontent: Why the Protests Began

The Kenyan government proposed a finance bill for the 2024/25 fiscal year that aimed to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to reduce the budget deficit and service the country’s growing public debt, which stands at 68% of GDP. The bill included new taxes on basic commodities like bread, vegetable oil, and sugar, as well as an “eco levy” on most manufactured goods including sanitary towels and diapers. It also proposed increasing existing taxes on financial transactions.

These proposed tax measures triggered widespread protests, particularly among Kenyan youth who felt that the new taxes would further burden their already strained household budgets. The protesters, identifying as Generation Z, argued that the tax hikes would choke the economy and raise the cost of living for Kenyans who are already struggling to make ends meet

Consequences of the Protests: A Nation in Turmoil

The protests, which began peacefully, quickly escalated into violent clashes with security forces. Scenes of protesters storming the parliament building, setting fires, and clashing with police resulted in at least 22 reported fatalities, with allegations of police involvement in some of the deaths.

The government’s initial response was heavy-handed, with the deployment of the military and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against the demonstrators. President William Ruto even described the protests as “treasonous,” further inflaming tensions.

The unrest also exposed deep divisions within Kenyan society and the growing disconnect between the government and the people. Many Kenyans, particularly the youth, felt that the Ruto administration had betrayed its promises to address economic hardships and reduce the cost of living.

Beyond the immediate disruptions, the protests have also cast a shadow on Kenya’s reputation as a stable and attractive investment destination. The unrest could discourage foreign investors and hinder economic growth.

Solutions Emerging: A Call for Change

The sheer scale and persistence of the protests eventually forced the government’s hand. In a dramatic U-turn, President Ruto announced that he would not sign the finance bill into law, a significant concession to the protesters’ demands.

However, the protesters are now increasingly calling for President Ruto to step down, even after he withdrew the tax-hike bill. They argue that his administration has failed to address the economic challenges facing Kenyans and has instead focused on increasing taxes while doing little to improve the welfare of the people.

The protests have also highlighted the power of the Kenyan people to hold their government accountable. The youth-led movement, which lacked a specific leader, united Kenyans across party lines, tribal lines, and age groups for a common cause. This unprecedented show of unity has been praised as a positive step in Kenya’s democracy.

Conclusion

The Kenyan finance bill protests have exposed the deep-seated frustrations of the Kenyan people over the country’s economic challenges and the government’s handling of the crisis. While the withdrawal of the tax-hike bill is a significant victory for the protesters, the underlying issues of economic hardship, youth unemployment, and the disconnect between the government and the people remain unresolved.

As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of the protests, it is clear that the government must take decisive action to address the concerns of the Kenyan people and rebuild trust. This may involve rethinking its economic policies, engaging in meaningful dialogue with the public, and taking concrete steps to improve the welfare of all Kenyans.

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Judith Akinyi

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