When the youth sought to radically change Kenya

2024: The Year Kenyan Youth Tried to Rewrite the Rules
In 2024, Kenyan youth emerged from the sidelines and shook the political landscape, igniting protests and campaigns that demanded sweeping change. What began with opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024 quickly evolved into a broader movement of discontent, with young Kenyans rallying behind slogans like haki yetu (our rights). Organized via social media, these demonstrations culminated in a dramatic breach of Parliament on June 25, signalling that a new generation would no longer accept business as usual.
The momentum built steadily. The proposed Finance Bill, which included new levies on essential goods and services, acted as a catalyst for unrest among a generation burdened by high unemployment, rising cost of living and political inertia. Youths across the country, particularly from the Gen Z demographic, mobilised via platforms like X and TikTok to coordinate protests, share information and bypass traditional party structures. Analysts say 2024 marked the first time digital activism merged seamlessly with street-level mobilisation in Kenya—with the result that youthful voices were no longer muted.
Reactions to the youth uprising have been complex and mixed. While many applauded the energy and accountability demands, others warned of the risks—violence and excessive force by security agencies, as well as protests diverting attention from other reform issues. A report by the Independent Medico‑Legal Unit (IMLU) detailed hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths linked to the protests, raising serious human rights concerns.Meanwhile, politicians acknowledged the message: the youth are no longer invisible and must be engaged on policy, not just placated.
Looking ahead, Kenya’s political future may be reshaped by this awakening. To maintain credibility, the government will need to respond with meaningful reforms—addressing youth unemployment, cost of living pressures and participatory governance—rather than relying solely on rhetoric. At the same time, the youth themselves must transition from protest to policy‑making if their demands are to translate into sustainable change. The question now is whether 2024 will be seen as a moment of mere dissent—or the starting point of a generational shift in Kenyan politics.