Executive Summary
The 2025 protests in Kenya represent a critical juncture in the nation’s political and social landscape, underscoring a profound and widening chasm between the country’s youth and the government of President William Ruto.
These demonstrations, primarily driven by a digitally savvy Generation Z, are not merely isolated incidents but a continuation and escalation of grievances that first ignited in 2024. The core issues fueling this persistent activism include severe economic hardship, rampant youth unemployment, a pervasive lack of government accountability, and deeply entrenched police brutality.
While the initial trigger in 2024 was a controversial Finance Bill, the 2025 resurgence was directly propelled by the death of a blogger in police custody, amplifying existing frustrations. The government’s response has largely been characterized by forceful repression, leading to significant casualties, arbitrary arrests, and a concerted effort to stifle civic freedoms both online and offline.
Despite these suppressive measures, the youth movement has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovative mobilization tactics, leveraging social media to bypass traditional gatekeepers and foster a new form of political engagement. International human rights organizations and regional bodies have voiced deep concerns, calling for accountability and systemic reforms.
The trajectory of Kenya’s governance and stability now hinges on the government’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, implement comprehensive reforms, and genuinely address the deep-seated discontent of its youthful population.
Introduction
Kenya, often regarded as a beacon of stability in East Africa, has been grappling with a escalating wave of public discontent, particularly from its vibrant youth demographic. The year 2025 witnessed a significant resurgence of protests that began in 2024, highlighting persistent challenges in governance, economic equity, and human rights. These demonstrations signify a profound shift in the country’s political discourse, driven by a generation that is increasingly vocal and digitally empowered.
Background of Protests (2024-2025)
The current wave of unrest in Kenya has its roots firmly planted in the events of 2024, which set the stage for the intensified demonstrations observed in 2025.
The Genesis: Finance Bill 2024 and its Aftermath
The initial spark for widespread protests in Kenya was the proposed Finance Bill 2024, which introduced a series of tax increases. These measures were met with heavy criticism, particularly from the younger segments of the Kenyan population. Protests commenced on June 18, 2024, initially in Nairobi, before quickly spreading to other parts of the country. Despite public outcry and amendments to the bill that removed some controversial clauses, the legislation was passed into law on June 19, 2024. This legislative action further inflamed public anger, culminating in protesters storming the Kenyan Parliament buildings on June 25, 2024. The confrontation led to violent clashes with security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, and parts of the building were set ablaze.
In response to the escalating unrest, President William Ruto reportedly rejected the Finance Bill on June 28, 2024. However, the underlying issues persisted as more taxes were subsequently introduced through legislative amendments later in the year. The human cost of the 2024 protests was severe, with at least 60 people reported killed, primarily by police bullets, and hundreds more injured. Beyond the immediate casualties, over 600 protesters were arbitrarily arrested and detained, with dozens forcibly disappeared. The events of 2024 solidified widespread public anger over police brutality, economic hardship, and perceived government corruption.
The 2025 Resurgence: Anniversary and New Triggers
A year after the initial wave of deadly protests, thousands of Kenyan youth once again took to the streets on June 25, 2025, to signal their continued discontent with the authorities. These demonstrations, which spread to at least 27 of Kenya’s 47 counties, were not merely a commemoration of the 2024 events but were also fueled by new, immediate triggers.
A significant catalyst for the 2025 protests was the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, who died in police custody between June 7 and 8, 2025. Police initially claimed Ojwang died from self-inflicted wounds, a narrative that sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Three police officers were subsequently charged with Ojwang’s murder on June 23, 2025. Further escalating tensions, a police officer was caught on camera shooting and seriously injuring a street vendor during protests over Ojwang’s killing, multiplying public anger. The 2025 protests mirrored the violence of the previous year, with at least 16 people killed and over 400 injured, predominantly by police bullets. These events collectively underscore a deepening crisis of trust and governance in Kenya.
The Driving Forces Behind Youth Activism
The sustained youth activism in Kenya is a complex phenomenon, driven by a confluence of deep-seated economic challenges and pervasive governance failures. These issues collectively paint a picture of a generation feeling marginalized and unheard.
Economic Hardship and Inequality
Economic grievances form the bedrock of the youth protests, reflecting a struggle for basic livelihood and a fair share in national prosperity.
High Cost of Living & Taxes
A primary source of frustration among Kenyan youth is the burden of sustained high taxes and the escalating cost of living. The Finance Bill 2024, which triggered the initial protests, proposed taxes on essential goods and services such as bread, menstrual products, and mobile money transfers. These taxes were particularly contentious as they disproportionately affected low-income individuals and informal workers who rely heavily on such services. The economic crisis further exacerbated these pressures, with the value of the Kenyan shilling dropping by 22 percent. Adding to the financial strain, a revamped healthcare levy was introduced, changing standard premiums to a progressive tax based on income, which drew significant criticism. The continuous imposition of new taxes, often perceived as burdensome, has fueled a sense of economic injustice among the populace.
Mass Youth Unemployment
Kenya faces a severe and persistent youth unemployment crisis, a critical factor underpinning the widespread discontent. The youth unemployment rate has soared past 38 percent. Data indicates that 43 percent of young Kenyans aged 18-35 are actively seeking employment. This challenge is compounded by the fact that approximately one million youth enter the job market annually, creating immense pressure on an already strained economy.
The root causes of this high unemployment include a lack of adequate training, a significant mismatch between educational qualifications and job market requirements, and insufficient entrepreneurial skills among the youth. Consequently, many young people feel neglected, unheard by the government, and trapped in a cycle of despair and hopelessness.
This demographic reality is particularly stark across Sub-Saharan Africa, where 70 percent of the population under 30 faces a similar youth unemployment crisis, highlighting a regional challenge that Kenya exemplifies. The failure to integrate this large, educated youth bulge into the economy is perceived as a “ticking time bomb,” with profound implications for national stability.
Economic Inequality & Austerity
The protests also reflect a deep-seated anger against austerity measures and widening economic inequality. Demonstrators have voiced strong opposition to policies that demand strict austerity, such as tax hikes and reductions in social spending, which they argue directly decrease the well-being and security of the working class. There are widespread accusations of government officials misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, with President Ruto’s use of a private jet for a trip to the United States cited as a notable example.
This perceived “unlimited funds for ‘aristocratic’ luxuries” stands in stark contrast to the sinking health and education sectors, which disproportionately affect the youth. Furthermore, the economic measures initiated under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program have been linked to an increased cost of living and a reported undermining of human rights, without transparent impact assessments being published by either the government or the IMF. This disparity in resource allocation and the perceived disconnect between the political elite and the struggles of ordinary citizens intensify the call for economic justice.
Governance Challenges and Human Rights Violations
Beyond economic grievances, the protests are fundamentally a rejection of what many perceive as systemic governance failures and a deteriorating human rights environment.
Corruption and Lack of Accountability
A central and recurring grievance among protesters is the pervasive corruption and a profound lack of accountability within the Kenyan government. The political class is frequently accused of misusing government funds, leading to a widespread belief that key state institutions have been captured by corrupt elites, resulting in impunity for those in power.
While President Ruto dissolved his cabinet in 2024 amidst accusations of incompetence and corruption, many of the same ministers were retained in his new cabinet, which did little to assuage public concerns. This perceived lack of genuine reform reinforces the narrative that the government is unwilling or unable to address the systemic issues of graft that plague the nation.
Police Brutality and Extrajudicial Killings
The issue of police brutality has become a flashpoint, with anger crystallizing over widespread reports of excessive force and impunity. During the June 2024 protests, at least 60 people were killed, predominantly by police bullets. Following these events, police continued their campaign of repression, with dozens of individuals suspected of organizing protests reported missing, often based on scant evidence.
The death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025 sparked renewed outrage, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue. Disturbingly, over 100 protesters were reported missing by September 2024, with some bodies later found showing signs of torture. As of January 2025, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) had recorded 89 enforced disappearances and 63 extrajudicial killings since June 2024. Despite investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into 22 deaths from the 2024 protests, only two cases had reached court by May 2025, highlighting a persistent lack of accountability for police actions.
Restrictions on Civic Freedoms
The government’s response to the protests has included significant restrictions on civic freedoms, characterized by media blackouts and forceful crackdowns. Authorities ordered television stations to halt live broadcasts of the protests, though this directive was swiftly overturned by a high court judge. Journalists covering the demonstrations faced increasing harassment, including being shot, detained, attacked, and having their equipment destroyed.
The government also launched smear campaigns against civil society organizations, falsely accusing them of financing the protests. The arrest of Rose Njeri, a software developer, for creating a platform enabling public input on the Finance Bill 2025, further illustrates the state’s intent to stifle digital activism. Government officials have gone as far as to accuse protesters of “terrorism” and “coup attempts,” escalating tensions and justifying severe responses.
Proposals for a significant budget increase for police to surveil social media users are also under consideration by lawmakers. Even artistic expression has been targeted, with the government banning a play about the protests at a national drama festival, a ban later overturned by a court. Amidst these violations, Kenya’s judiciary has emerged as a critical safeguard, acting as a “last bastion of hope” by issuing decisions to hold law enforcement accountable and defend protesters’ rights.
Modus Operandi of Youth Activism
The Kenyan youth movement has distinguished itself through innovative and effective methods of organization and resistance, particularly leveraging digital platforms.
Social Media Mobilization and Digital Activism
The decentralized nature of the 2024 and 2025 protests is largely attributable to the strategic and widespread use of social media.
Platforms and Hashtags
Young Kenyans have effectively utilized social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram to organize and mobilize for protests. These platforms facilitated rapid dissemination of information and coordination among participants, bypassing traditional media and political structures. Key hashtags, including #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyStateHouse, #OccupyUntilVictory, #RutoMustGo, and #SiriNiNumbers, trended for days, amplifying the movement’s message and reach.
The youth have taken a leading role in educating their peers, sharing critical information about the Finance Bill, and live streaming the protests and their demands, thereby ensuring real-time transparency and engagement.
Crowdfunding and Coordination
Social media has been instrumental not only in organizing protest details but also in facilitating practical support for demonstrators. Platforms were used to crowdfund for transportation, enabling wider participation in the demonstrations.
Critically, this digital coordination helped connect individuals around their shared anger at the Finance Bill and broader governance issues, effectively overcoming historical tribal and ethnic divisions that have often fragmented past Kenyan social movements. This unified approach has been a notable characteristic of the recent youth-led protests.
Creative Resistance
The Gen Z-led protests in Kenya are not merely political events but have evolved into cultural phenomena, deeply integrating music, visual art, and digital creativity as forms of resistance. The song “Anguka Nayo” has emerged as the unofficial anthem of the Gen Z uprising, its pulsating beat and pointed lyrics resonating both online and in the streets, uniting protesters in a shared language of defiance. Older protest songs, such as Sauti Sol’s “Tujiangalie” and Eric Wainaina’s “Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo,” have found new relevance, connecting generations through music that directly addresses contemporary struggles.
Visual artists, including Mijide Kemoli (known as Kiki) and Stanley Kabicho (Pops Kabicho), have been at the forefront of this creative movement. They have produced bold, minimalistic illustrations, digital and physical posters, graffiti, animations, and collages that amplify calls for justice, transforming public spaces into open-air exhibitions of creative dissent. Kemoli’s collaborations with civil society groups have made civic education accessible and engaging, especially in an era of media censorship. Kabicho, describing himself as a “keyboard warrior,” has leveraged digital platforms to distribute protest art and commentary, mobilizing supporters in both digital and physical realms.
Furthermore, the movement has weaponized virality against firewalls, employing humor, memes, GIFs, stickers, and Sheng quips to mock perceived state actions and political figures. Livestreams of youth engaging with and schooling police commanders on constitutional rights have served as powerful, real-time civic education, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding and application of digital tools for political expression. This blend of traditional protest and digital innovation highlights a unique and potent form of activism.
Evolution of Demands and Tactics
The Kenyan youth movement has demonstrated an adaptive nature, broadening its scope from specific legislative opposition to a comprehensive critique of governance.
From Tax Bill to Broader Governance Issues
While the initial focus of the 2024 protests was the Finance Bill, the movement’s demands quickly expanded to encompass a wider range of systemic issues. These include the high cost of living, pervasive mass youth unemployment, rampant police brutality, deep-seated corruption, and a general lack of government accountability. Calls for President Ruto’s resignation became a prominent feature of the demonstrations, reflecting a desire for fundamental political change. The youth are demanding economic justice, an end to perceived exploitation, and a shift towards a more inclusive and responsive government. This evolution signifies a maturation of the movement from reactive opposition to a comprehensive demand for systemic reform.
Leaderless Movement
A distinctive characteristic of the recent Kenyan protests is their largely decentralized and leaderless nature. This contrasts sharply with historical protest movements in Kenya, which were often spearheaded by established opposition leaders. This leaderless structure has enabled the youth to bypass traditional political gatekeepers, including political parties and non-governmental organizations, fostering a more organic and grassroots form of mobilization. The absence of a single, identifiable leader makes the movement more resilient to state repression, as targeting individuals does not dismantle the broader collective action.
Shift to Online Activism Amid Crackdown
Faced with severe brutality and repression in physical spaces, young Kenyans strategically shifted their activism online, transforming the digital sphere into a refuge for resistance. This adaptation allowed the movement to sustain its momentum despite government crackdowns. However, authorities extended their deadly crackdown to the digital realm as well. This included disrupting internet access during protests, issuing onerous regulations to social media companies, and threatening to shut down or prosecute social media platforms. This escalation demonstrates the government’s determination to stifle dissent across all mediums, highlighting the critical role of digital spaces in modern activism and the challenges faced in maintaining online freedoms.
Government Response and Its Implications
The Kenyan government’s approach to the protests has been characterized by a heavy-handed response, leading to significant human rights concerns and a perceived erosion of democratic principles.
State Repression and Human Rights Deterioration
The state’s reaction to the youth-led protests has been met with widespread condemnation, reflecting a concerning deterioration of human rights.
Forceful Crackdowns and Casualties
Security forces have consistently employed forceful tactics to disperse protesters, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, batons, and live ammunition. The June 2025 protests alone resulted in at least 16 fatalities and over 400 injuries, predominantly from police bullets. In some instances, the military was deployed to quell the demonstrations, a move that has been argued by some as unconstitutional, as the state allegedly did not demonstrate that the national police force was overwhelmed. This persistent use of lethal force against largely peaceful demonstrators highlights a concerning pattern of state-sanctioned violence.
Targeting of Activists and Journalists
Beyond direct confrontation, the government has systematically targeted individuals perceived as protest organizers and those reporting on the events. Dozens of individuals suspected of organizing protests have been reported missing, often based on scant evidence.
There are credible reports of arbitrary arrests, abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of bloggers and activists, which have significantly intensified public outrage. By September 2024, over 100 protesters were reported missing, with some later found dead under mysterious circumstances, showing signs of torture. As of January 2025, the KNCHR had documented 89 enforced disappearances and 63 extrajudicial killings since June 2024. Journalists covering the protests have also faced increasing harassment, including being shot, detained, attacked, and having their equipment destroyed. This pressure on media outlets has reportedly led to self-censorship and a decline in public trust in traditional news sources.
Erosion of Democratic Space
The government’s actions are perceived by many as a deliberate strategy to shrink democratic space and consolidate power, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 elections. Public threats against the judiciary and other independent institutions by senior government officials, including the president, undermine the rule of law and judicial independence.
There are also accusations of the government deploying non-state actors, often referred to as “goons,” to disrupt protests and incite violence. These tactics, coupled with official statements labeling protests as “terrorism” or “coup attempts,” create a climate of fear and further erode trust between the government and its citizens. This systematic dismantling of civil liberties and silencing of dissent raises serious concerns about the future of democratic accountability in Kenya.
International and Regional Reactions
The events in Kenya have drawn significant attention and concern from various international and regional bodies, highlighting the global implications of the country’s internal dynamics.
Human Rights Organizations
Leading human rights organizations have been vocal in their condemnation of the Kenyan authorities’ actions. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for accountability for all abuses, an end to media bans, and the protection of the rights to assembly and protest. Amnesty International reported that 60 people were killed and hundreds injured by excessive police force during the 2024 protests, with over 600 arbitrarily arrested and dozens forcibly disappeared.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, downgraded Kenya’s civic space rating to “repressed,” reflecting the severe restrictions on freedoms. The UN Human Rights Office expressed deep concern over the deaths and injuries, urging prompt, thorough, and independent investigations to ensure justice and prevent recurrence. Requests by UN special rapporteurs to visit Kenya and investigate abuses have, however, been pending approval from Kenyan authorities for years.
African Union (AU)
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), a key body of the African Union, has deplored the use of live ammunition against unarmed, peaceful protesters. The Commission specifically condemned the close-range police shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old street vendor, during the June 2025 demonstrations. The ACHPR has called for substantial reform of the Kenya police service, emphasizing the need to overhaul laws, standards, structures, and accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, it urged investigations into reports of non-state actors (“goons”) being deployed to disrupt protests and perpetrate violations, including rape. The Commission also demanded the reversal of directives restricting live media coverage, stressing the importance of judicial independence and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society and youth representatives.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been linked to Kenya’s economic policies, particularly the tax proposals that triggered the protests. The tax bills were introduced in the context of an IMF program that initiated economic measures which reportedly increased the cost of living and undermined human rights. A point of contention is that neither the Kenyan government nor the IMF published impact assessments to ensure that these policies would fulfill people’s economic, social, and cultural rights. This raises questions about the external pressures influencing domestic policy and their human rights implications.
United States
The United States has also reacted to the escalating situation. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Kenya, advising citizens to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to potential instability and violence. While Kenya remains a strategic partner for the U.S., particularly in East Africa, the protests have highlighted significant internal challenges that could impact this relationship. The U.S. has noted the widespread frustration with economic hardships, public sector corruption, and a perceived lack of government accountability in Kenya.
Long-Term Implications and Future Outlook
The youth-led protests of 2024-2025 are not merely transient events but indicators of deeper, ongoing shifts in Kenya’s political culture and the dynamics of youth engagement.
Shifting Political Culture and Youth Engagement
The recent protests signify a profound transformation in how political power is perceived and challenged in Kenya.
Youth as a Political Force
The Gen Z protests have undeniably marked a political awakening in Kenya, demonstrating the youth’s remarkable ability to mobilize and exert influence without relying on traditional political gatekeepers. This generation is actively pushing back against the status quo by grounding their struggles in the tangible realities of their daily lives: high taxes, pervasive joblessness, mounting debt, and systemic corruption. The political landscape is undergoing a fundamental change, where legitimacy appears to hinge less on established ethnic blocs and more on the dynamism of “meme economies” and digital engagement.
This digital fluency has facilitated crowdsourced civic education, with instances of live-streamed interactions where youth educate police commanders on constitutional rights, effectively serving as real-time lessons in jurisprudence. However, this burgeoning youth bulge also carries a significant risk, often described as a “ticking time bomb,” if this demographic is not gainfully engaged and their aspirations are continuously unmet. The sheer scale of their mobilization suggests that ignoring their demands poses a substantial threat to national stability.
Challenges to Sustaining Momentum
Despite the initial fervor and impact of the protests, a significant challenge lies in sustaining the momentum over the long term, beyond the immediate spark of a crisis. The cost on young people involved in these movements has been particularly high, encompassing not only physical harm but also severe challenges to their mental resilience and well-being in the face of authoritarian strategies. A common hurdle for decentralized, leaderless movements is the difficulty in agreeing upon and maintaining a common vision or cohesive political agenda once the initial grievances are addressed or the immediate threat subsides. Furthermore, the government’s observed strategy of dismantling civil liberties and silencing dissent is widely interpreted as an attempt to neutralize opposition and manipulate the political system in preparation for the 2027 elections. This calculated approach aims to exhaust and fragment the protest movement, making sustained political organizing increasingly difficult.
Comparison with Other African Youth Movements (e.g., #EndSARS, #FeesMustFall)
The Kenyan youth protests share notable similarities with other contemporary youth-led movements across Africa, such as Nigeria’s #EndSARS and South Africa’s #FeesMustFall campaigns. These movements are predominantly youth-driven, heavily reliant on social media for mobilization, and often center on issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship.
The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, for instance, began as a specific protest against a notorious police unit but quickly broadened to address wider governance failures, ultimately met with a heavy-handed government response. Similarly, South Africa’s #FeesMustFall focused on the prohibitive costs of education, leading to some fee freezes but not the complete systemic transformation many students sought. A common and critical challenge across all these movements is the ability to translate the energy and impact of street protests into long-term political organizing and tangible, lasting improvements in the conditions of the youth. While these movements have successfully raised awareness and achieved some immediate concessions, their enduring legacy will be determined by their capacity to foster sustained political engagement and drive fundamental societal change.
Governance Reforms and Accountability
The ongoing protests underscore an urgent need for comprehensive governance reforms and a renewed commitment to accountability to address the root causes of discontent.
Need for Systemic Reform
Addressing the deep-seated youth discontent requires more than superficial concessions; it necessitates fundamental systemic reform. The government must prioritize denouncing police brutality, implementing measures to restrain security forces from abusive conduct, and holding all abusers accountable for their actions. Beyond security sector reform, new and concerted efforts are critically needed to spur economic growth and create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for the burgeoning youth population. Genuine reforms, rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, are essential to rebuild public trust in government institutions. The long-stalled police reforms, in particular, require urgent revival, moving from rhetorical regret to concrete courtroom verdicts and systemic changes.
Role of Judiciary and Civil Society
In the face of state repression, Kenya’s judiciary has emerged as a crucial check on executive power. It has demonstrated independence by issuing decisions that hold law enforcement accountable, defend protesters’ rights, and overturn unlawful bans, serving as a “last bastion of hope” for activists and the general populace. This judicial resilience is vital for upholding constitutional freedoms. Concurrently, civil society organizations and religious institutions are seen as indispensable in leading a unified response to the crisis. They are positioned to convene national dialogues, bring together youth leaders and grassroots representatives, and develop coordinated, principled responses to government actions. Their role in advocating for democratic space and providing civic education is paramount for fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Risk of Further Democratic Erosion
Despite the resilience of civil society and the judiciary, there remains a significant risk of further democratic erosion. The government’s continued strategy of dismantling civil liberties and systematically silencing dissent could lead to the total erosion of democratic accountability and the rule of law in Kenya. There are growing fears that the government might declare a state of emergency, which would effectively ban all public demonstrations and political gatherings under the guise of restoring order. Such a move would severely curtail fundamental freedoms and further alienate a significant portion of the population, potentially leading to prolonged political instability. The current trajectory suggests a tense future where the balance between state control and civic freedoms remains precarious.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The 2025 protests in Kenya highlight a profound and multifaceted crisis, driven by a youthful population demanding fundamental change. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of economic hardship, governance failures, and a state response marked by severe repression.
Synthesis of Key Findings
The 2025 Kenya protests represent a deep-seated and evolving youth discontent. This discontent is primarily driven by persistent economic hardship, including high taxes and rampant youth unemployment, alongside pervasive governance failures, particularly corruption and a lack of accountability. The situation is exacerbated by a pattern of severe police brutality and extrajudicial killings. The youth, especially Generation Z, have leveraged social media for unprecedented mobilization and creative resistance, effectively bypassing traditional political structures and demonstrating a new form of civic engagement. However, the government’s response has been characterized by forceful crackdowns, leading to significant casualties, arbitrary arrests, and a concerted effort to stifle civic freedoms both online and offline. International human rights organizations and regional bodies have voiced deep concerns, condemning the state’s actions and emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and systemic reforms. The resilience of the judiciary in upholding constitutional rights offers a crucial, albeit challenged, avenue for justice.
Recommendations for the Kenyan Government
To address the escalating discontent and foster long-term stability, the Kenyan government should undertake the following actions:
- Prioritize Genuine, Inclusive Dialogue: The government must move beyond superficial engagements and initiate meaningful, inclusive dialogue with youth representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. This dialogue should aim to genuinely address underlying grievances and build consensus on a path forward.
- Implement Comprehensive Police Reforms: It is imperative to implement thorough police reforms that ensure accountability for past abuses, prevent future brutality, and transform the security apparatus into a public-serving institution rather than a tool of repression. This includes prosecuting officers implicated in killings and disappearances.
- Foster Economic Growth and Job Creation: The government must develop and implement transparent, equitable economic policies focused on job creation, particularly for the youth. This includes addressing the mismatch between education and job market needs, and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Uphold Constitutional Rights: The government must fully respect and uphold constitutional rights, including the freedoms of assembly, expression, and media. This requires reversing restrictive directives, protecting journalists and activists, and respecting judicial independence.
- Combat Corruption Vigorously: A robust and transparent campaign against corruption is essential to restore public trust. This involves holding corrupt officials accountable, ensuring public funds are used for national development, and strengthening institutions against elite capture.
Recommendations for Civil Society and International Community
For civil society and the international community to effectively support Kenya’s journey towards a more democratic and equitable future:
- Civil Society’s Role: Civil society organizations should continue to unify their efforts, advocate tirelessly for the protection and expansion of democratic space, and provide ongoing civic education to empower citizens. They should also continue to document human rights abuses and push for accountability.
- International Community’s Role: The international community should maintain consistent pressure on the Kenyan government to adhere to international human rights standards. This includes supporting and strengthening judicial independence, providing resources for human rights monitoring, and advocating for the protection of civic freedoms.
- Support Youth Empowerment: Both civil society and international partners should invest in initiatives that empower Kenyan youth economically and politically. This involves supporting educational and vocational training programs, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, and creating platforms for youth leadership and long-term political engagement beyond protest cycles.
