Kenya’s Ruto Expresses Pride in Youth as Generation Z Protests Against the Divisive Finance Bill Continue

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a recent address to the nation, President William Ruto expressed his admiration for the youth of Kenya, acknowledging their fervent activism and engagement with critical national issues. His comments come in the wake of widespread protests led by Generation Z against the newly proposed Finance Bill, which has sparked significant debate across the country.

Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed pride in the country's youth, known as Gen Z, for their active participation in protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, which has recently been passed by Parliament. Despite widespread demonstrations, the bill received the support of 204 MPs, while 105 opposed it.

Speaking during a Sunday service on June 23, 2024, at Nyahururu Church, President Ruto acknowledged the youth's concerns and emphasized the government's willingness to engage in dialogue with them. "The government has heard the youth and is ready to discuss their issues," he stated.

Meanwhile, Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi warned of potential political instability. "Those opposing the Finance Bill, if it’s rejected by the government, will next call for a vote of no confidence, leading to new elections. Don’t take it lightly; they plan to oust Ruto," Mudavadi cautioned.

Prominent politician Martha Karua also voiced her support for the youth, declaring, "Gen Z will complete Kenya's liberation struggle." Oscar Sud, the MP for Kapsenet, highlighted the unity and non-tribal nature of Gen Z, urging the government to incorporate their ideas into future legislation and policies.

Despite the protests, President Ruto praised the demonstrations as a democratic expression, emphasizing that the youth's involvement is crucial for nation-building. "I am very proud of our youth. They have moved forward, without tribal divisions, and have come together peacefully," Ruto remarked.

The youth protests, organized primarily through TikTok, have drawn comparisons to the Arab Spring, where social media platforms like Twitter played a pivotal role. The Arab Spring, which began in Tunisia in December 2010, saw widespread protests and regime changes across the Middle East and North Africa.

In Kenya, the Gen Z protests started in Nairobi and quickly spread to Mombasa and other regions, including Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Nanyuki. This generation, born after 1997, is known as the "digital natives" due to their upbringing during the internet age. The term Gen Z combines "generation" with "Zoomer," reflecting their deep integration with digital technology.

The Kenyan Constitution defines youth as individuals between 18 and 34 years old. With over 80% of the population under 35, Kenya's youth demographic is significant. According to a 2022 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among 20-24-year-olds is alarmingly high at 22.6%. This economic frustration has fueled Gen Z's participation in the protests.

The nationwide protests against the 2024/2025 Finance Bill saw a massive turnout of young people, who took to the streets with banners and hashtags, demanding good governance and economic reforms. The movement's scale and intensity are reminiscent of the Arab Spring, which started with Mohamed Bouazizi, a young fruit vendor in Tunisia, who set himself on fire in protest against government corruption.

The Arab Spring led to significant political changes in several countries. In Tunisia, President Ben Ali was ousted in January 2011 after 23 years in power. In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after 30 years of rule, following intense protests.

Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh also resigned amidst the uprisings. In Bahrain, large-scale protests for political and economic reforms were met with severe repression, supported by security forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In Libya, protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime escalated into an armed uprising, with NATO intervening with airstrikes. Gaddafi was eventually killed in October 2011. In Syria, protests demanding President Bashar al-Assad's resignation led to a prolonged and bloody civil war.

The ripple effects of the Arab Spring were felt throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with countries like Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman experiencing varying degrees of protests. In response, some governments implemented reforms or dismissed unpopular officials to quell the unrest.

Drawing parallels with these historical events, President Ruto reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the youth's concerns. He announced the allocation of KSh10 billion to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the 2024/2025 budget to support youth interests. Additionally, the government plans to increase resources for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and develop ICT hubs to create more job opportunities.

"Our youth have stepped up for their country, fulfilling their democratic duty to stand up and be recognized. We will engage with them to identify and address their issues," Ruto affirmed. "I am very proud of our youth. They have moved forward without tribal divisions and have made peaceful progress. We will work together to build a better nation."

Government spokesperson Mwaura issued a stern warning, urging caution to avoid the chaos seen in Libya and Egypt during the Arab Spring. "We want a strong country, and we can't afford to destabilize it like in Libya or the Arab Spring in Egypt. If we truly want engagement, let's sit down and talk," he urged.

The Gen Z protests, which began in Nairobi and spread to other regions, highlight the growing frustration among Kenya's youth with economic and political issues. As the government prepares for dialogue, the youth’s involvement marks a significant moment in the country's democratic process and the potential for meaningful reforms.