In this tumultuous month of June in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the atmosphere was electric, marked by a series of unprecedented anti-government protests. Thousands of people, mainly young people, gathered to express their discontent with the introduction of new taxes announced as part of the 2024-2025 budget. The response of the authorities was vigorous, with a massive deployment of security forces equipped with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.
The mobilization, called “Occupy Parliament”, spread to other cities in the country, reflecting a widespread discontent with the policies of the government and President William Ruto. The demands focused on the impact of the new taxes on the population, including a 16% VAT on bread and an annual tax of 2.5% on private vehicles, considered unfair and excessive.
The protests, although peaceful in their intention, were violently repressed by the security forces, leading to clashes and mass arrests. Despite the government’s attempts to calm the situation by withdrawing certain controversial tax measures, the anger of the population has only grown, revealing a deep social and economic malaise.
At the heart of these protests is the question of the management of public finances and the transparency of the authorities. The demonstrators question the use of funds collected by the government, demanding accountability for expenditures and guarantees as to the effectiveness of the economic policies implemented.
In this tense context, marked by clashes and police reprisals, Kenyan society is at a turning point. Young people, at the forefront of the protest, express their desire for change and their willingness to make their voices heard for a better future. Dialogue between the government and young people appears to be a necessity to ease tensions and build consensus on the economic and social issues that divide the country.
As we await a peaceful resolution to the current crisis, Kenya faces major challenges in managing its public finances, combating inflation, and balancing economic imperatives with the aspirations of its people. The country’s future will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens.