Kenya: The Rise and Likely Decline of the Gen Z Protest Movement

In June 2024, Kenya witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests led by its youth, particularly those belonging to Generation Z. What began as online outrage against proposed tax hikes quickly evolved into a nationwide movement that shook the foundations of President William Ruto's government and exposed deep-seated frustrations among Kenya's young population.¹

The Spark that Ignited the Protests

The immediate trigger for the protests was a controversial finance bill proposed by President Ruto's administration. The bill aimed to increase taxes on essential goods and services, including bread, milk, diapers, and pesticides.² For a population already grappling with a cost of living crisis, these proposed tax hikes were the final straw.³

Initially, the government underestimated the potential impact of the protests. Rachael Nyamai, an MP allied to President Ruto, dismissed the early social media calls for a "Gen Z uprising" as mere attention-seeking behavior.⁴ This complacency would soon prove to be a critical miscalculation.

The Unique Nature of the Gen Z Protests

Unlike previous demonstrations in Kenya, which were often organized along ethnic lines or led by opposition politicians, the Gen Z protests were markedly different: