Gen Z Protests in Kenya: A Movement at the Crossroads

Kenya, like most of its neighbours in East Africa, faces significant internal political, social, and economic challenges. Although one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing economies, a small elite has raked in most of the profits during the boom of the last decade. Meanwhile, global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund have pushed neoliberal economic policies onto the government, which have seen it slash public spending and raise taxes on everyday goods at a time when the average Kenyan spends over half of their income on food alone.

 

In the past few weeks, Kenya has witnessed something rare—a national movement led not by political parties or NGOs, but by young people. The Gen Z protests, sparked by the Finance Bill 2024, quickly grew into a countrywide uprising of frustrated, connected, and highly aware youth.

I was with them from the start. Like many Kenyans, I saw something hopeful in their boldness. They weren’t just angry—they were clear. The hashtags were creative, the protests peaceful, the message strong: “We’re watching. We’ve had enough.”

But lately, something has shifted.

The Rise of Protest Fatigue

I'll be honest—I’m starting to feel worn out. The near-daily protests, while still passionate, have lost some of the clarity that gave them moral power. The original issues (taxes, cost of living, digital services) feel overshadowed by noise, scattered messaging, and in some cases, endless repetition.

It's not that I don’t care anymore. I do. But I’m struggling to understand where this is going. Many of the tax proposals have been adjusted. The President has spoken. The streets are still full—but to what end?

What Are They Fighting For Now?

If you ask different protesters, you'll get different answers:

"Accountability for corruption."

"Justice for those killed in the protests."

"Total rejection of the Finance Bill."

"An end to police brutality."

"A better future for Kenyan youth."

All these are valid. But a movement without structure can start to feel like it’s moving in circles. Without leaders or spokespeople, we can't tell if it's about bread prices or regime change. Without a plan, even truth loses traction.

Is the Movement Still Deserving?

Yes—and no.

Yes, because Gen Z are holding the line on behalf of many voiceless Kenyans. They are reminding us that civic duty isn’t just about voting once every five years. They are proving that accountability can come from TikTok, and that leadership doesn’t always wear suits.

But no, if the movement becomes directionless, violent, or unwilling to evolve. A revolution must build, not just break. Protests must become proposals. Hashtags must become policies. Otherwise, public support will fade—and fatigue, like mine, will spread.

So What Should Gen Z Do Next?

If they want real change, here’s what I believe should happen:

From Protest to Policy: Form youth-led think tanks, publish alternatives, and demand implementation—not just rejection.

Identify Spokespeople: Not kings, not celebrities—just credible, issue-based voices the public can understand and follow.

Build Coalitions: Work with students, mama mboga, boda riders, legal bodies, even the church—power is in numbers and alliances.

Organize for 2027: Register voters, support clean candidates, and even field some of their own. The streets can shake power, but the ballot changes it.

Protect the Moral High Ground: Remain peaceful, fact-based, and grounded. The credibility they’ve earned is their greatest asset.

Final Thought: I Still Believe

My fatigue doesn’t mean I’ve given up. It means I care. I want this energy to count. I want this generation to win. But winning will take more than trending hashtags and street chants. It will take strategy, discipline, and clarity.

To my fellow Kenyans: you can support the vision, and still ask hard questions. You can cheer the energy, and still want order.

To Gen Z: We hear you. Just help us see where this is all going.