Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 and The Rise of Kenya’s Generation Z Movement

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 which received a yes vote by 204 legislatures on Thursday last week is set for the lawmaking process that commences on Tuesday the 25th of June. While the government prepared to table the contentious bill in parliament, a vibrant and determined crowd gathered in Nairobi to voice their dissent against the Finance Bill 2024.

Leading this charge is a new generation of activists—Kenya’s Generation Z. This movement has captured the nation’s attention, highlighting a burgeoning wave of political engagement among young Kenyans determined to shape their future.

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024: A Catalyst for Discontent

The Finance Bill 2024 aims to introduce several fiscal measures intended to bolster the country’s economic stability. Key provisions include(d) higher taxes on essential goods, increased levies on digital transactions, and stringent regulations on small businesses just a year after similar measures were implemented last year.

While the government argues that these measures are necessary to address the budget deficit and stimulate economic growth, critics claim they disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.

Generation Z in Kenya, characterized by their digital savviness and keen awareness of social justice issues, has taken a firm stand against the 2024 financial bill. They argue that the proposed taxes on essential goods will worsen the already high cost of living, making basic necessities unaffordable for many.

Additionally, they contend that increased levies on digital transactions will stifle the burgeoning tech industry and hamper innovation. For instance, increasing Mpesa transactional charges will lower, instead of increasing, the volume of transactions and thus affect projected revenue gains.

The Emergence of a Digital Protest

Unlike previous generations, Kenya’s Generation Z activists have leveraged digital platforms to organize, mobilize, and amplify their message. This is a generation of educated and digitally skilled youths ready to explore unconventional mobilization options.

Social media has played a pivotal role in this movement, with hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament trending across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. These platforms have allowed young activists to bypass traditional media channels to directly reach and engage a broad audience.

Whereas the first attempt was rubbished as a kind of ‘child’s play,’ subsequent happenings seem to suggest otherwise. Online influencers, digital content creators and some factions of celebrities have also joined the cause.

Using their platforms, they have been educating their followers about the bill’s implications and encouraging collective action. This digital protest has not only increased awareness but also put significant pressure on policymakers to reconsider the bill.

Initial attempts seemed to suggest a listening government keen to pay attention to its people’s pleas, yet the mockery about the demonstrations suggests otherwise. The narrative has now moved beyond the finance bill to serious scrutiny of the government of the day’s fiscal and policy approach.

Grassroots Mobilization and Street Protests

While digital activism has been crucial, Generation Z has also taken to the streets to ensure their voices are heard. Protests have erupted in major cities and towns like Eldoret, Nyeri, and Mombasa, with Nairobi at the epicentre.

These demonstrations are marked by their creativity and inclusivity, featuring art, music, and spoken word performances that reflect the cultural dynamism of Kenya’s youth. Of worth noting is the fact that they have been largely peaceful albeit with one loss of life so far due to a police shooting.

The protests have drawn support from various sectors of society, including university students, young professionals, and informal sector workers. This broad coalition underscores the widespread opposition to the bill and the unity among Kenya’s youth.

The organized peaceful marches, sit-ins, and public forums emphasizing non-violent resistance and civic engagement continue to be a pressure gauge for the toning down by the government. It won’t be a surprise that a lot of the incompetent appointees in government will be let go sooner rather than later if the pressure increases.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

A significant aspect of the Generation Z movement against the Finance Bill 2024 is its focus on education and advocacy. Activists have conducted mini-online workshops to educate the public about the bill’s potential impact and the importance of civic participation. Empowering citizens with the knowledge seeks to foster a more informed and engaged electorate.

Additionally, technocrats continue to engage with policymakers presenting alternative solutions to the country’s economic challenges. These have included proposals for progressive taxation, measures to curb corruption, and initiatives to support small businesses and startups.

These alternatives and constructive offerings demonstrate Generation Z’s commitment to not just opposing the bill, but also contributing to sustainable economic solutions. It is up to the government to listen or dismiss them as a frog’s shrieks that cannot deter an elephant from drinking water.

The Government’s Response

So far, the Kenyan government has been forced to respond to the growing opposition. Initially dismissive of the protests, some officials have since acknowledged the movement’s significance. Other leaders still live in denial that these protests are of any importance and that they are instigated by the opposition and enemies of the government.

The fact, however, remains that tensions are high. Critics argue that the government’s concessions are insufficient and demand a complete overhaul of the bill. The ongoing ‘dialogue’ between the government and the youth movement is a testament to the impact of sustained civic pressure, yet the outcome remains uncertain.

The Broader Implications of the Reject of Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 Protests

The rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 by Kenya’s Generation Z is more than a political protest. It is a statement of generational identity and empowerment. This movement reflects a broader global trend where young people are increasingly stepping into political arenas, driven by a desire for justice, equity, and sustainable development.

In Kenya, Generation Z’s activism is reshaping the political landscape. It is challenging traditional power structures and pushing for a more inclusive and transparent governance model. As these young activists continue to mobilize, their influence is likely to grow, potentially altering the course of Kenyan politics for years to come.

The fight against the Finance Bill 2024 has galvanized Kenya’s Generation Z, transforming them into a formidable political force. Through digital activism, grassroots mobilization, and non-relenting advocacy, they are challenging the status quo and demanding a future that is fair and just.

As the government grapples with this new wave of civic engagement, the resilience and determination of Kenya’s youth offer a hopeful glimpse into the country’s democratic future. As it stands now, it is aluta continua.