The Protest Catalyst: Finance Bill 2024

At the core of this uprising is the Finance Bill 2024, a government proposal aimed at increasing taxes to alleviate Kenya's growing debt crisis.

The bill proposed levies on basic items like bread and menstrual products, which many felt would disproportionately hurt the poor.

In a country where youth unemployment stands at 12%, with nearly 68% of unemployed Kenyans being under 35, the youth, unsurprisingly, saw the bill as a direct attack on their already precarious economic prospects​

 

A New Way of Protesting

Unlike previous protests, which were often led by political figures and marred by violence, Gen Z has embraced digital innovation and peaceful resistance.

The rise of the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) has transformed these demonstrations into a hybrid of both offline and online protests​

Gen Z activists, armed with smartphones rather than stones, live-streamed the events, ensuring that their voices resonated far beyond the streets of Nairobi.

 

Their modern approach has made these protests stand out—not only locally but also on a global stage​.

 

Digital Natives Reshaping Civic Engagement

These protests have become a quintessential example of tech-savvy activism. Kenya’s Gen Z has shown an uncanny ability to mobilize large crowds without a single leader, making it harder for the government to suppress the movement.

 Young people like Hanifa Farsafi, a notable activist, have used social media even after being detained to encourage others to continue the fight​.

This decentralized leadership and seamless coordination through social media have introduced a more resilient form of protest, making it harder for authorities to halt the momentum.

 

Peaceful, Yet Persistent

The nature of these protests has also challenged the stereotype of youth-led uprisings being chaotic. Gen Z’s commitment to non-violence, even in the face of heavy police crackdowns, has drawn significant attention.

 Armed with placards and chants instead of weapons, they are strategically engaging in peaceful protests, forcing the government to tread carefully to avoid losing public sympathy​.

The Future of Activism

What sets these protests apart is the growing skepticism from Gen Z towards political promises. Although the government has responded to the public outcry by making adjustments to the Finance Bill, many young protesters remain unconvinced, viewing these moves as insufficient.

Their unwavering demand for meaningful change shows that this generation is no longer content with superficial reforms. They are in it for the long haul, determined to hold their leaders accountable​.

A Defining Moment for Kenya’s Youth

As Kenya faces growing economic and political challenges, Gen Z is redefining what it means to be politically active in the digital age.

Their innovative use of technology, their peaceful approach to protest, and their resilience in the face of intimidation mark a significant shift in Kenya’s civic landscape.

If their recent efforts are anything to go by, this generation has firmly positioned itself as a powerful force in shaping Kenya’s future.

Gen Z's activism is a testament to the power of a digitally connected youth, showing that even in the face of systemic challenges, innovation, and resilience can make all the difference. The world is watching.