EXPLAINER: Why Kenya’s Gen Zs are protesting

Kenya’s Gen Z — young people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s — have emerged as a powerful political force, staging protests and igniting national conversations that are shaking the foundations of Kenyan governance.

On June 25, 2024, the country’s young population staged historic protests in the country and stormed the country’s Parliament.

Unfortunately, human rights groups recorded that at least 60 Gen Zs were killed by authorities during the protests against heavy taxation, abductions and extra-judicial killings.

President William Ruto was forced to reject the Finance Bill, 2024 and dissolved his Cabinet amid immense pressure and ceded some ground for a national conversation.

However, despite the promises made, Kenya’s Gen Zs argue that most of their demands were not honoured, including ending extra-judicial killings, stopping borrowing and inclusion of the youth in government jobs.

June 25, 2025, marks the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests amid a fresh push by the youth to stage another wave of demonstrations across the country in honour of those who lost their lives.

But what exactly are they protesting, and why now?

Here’s a breakdown of the key issues driving the Gen Z-led protests:

1. Opposition to over-taxation

The spark that ignited the protests was the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed a raft of new taxes on everyday goods and digital services.

These included 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax, VAT on bread and other basic commodities, Tax on digital content creators and increased levies on mobile money transfers and airtime.

Although the Finance Bill 2025 does not propose additional taxes to generate more revenue by the executive, Gen Zs claim that the legislation does not offer any ray of hope.

Gen Z protesters argue that there are taxes that unfairly burden ordinary Kenyans while doing little to curb wasteful government spending.

Many see the bill as emblematic of a broader disconnect between the government and the lived realities of youth.

2. Youth unemployment and economic frustration

With unemployment rates among youth hovering above 60%, many Gen Z Kenyans feel locked out of the economy.

Even those with university degrees struggle to find work or are forced into poorly paying gigs and digital hustles. There are concerns that the government is not doing enough to reduce taxes on digital content creation.

They claim that the government continues to attack one of the few spaces where young people are innovating and earning a living.

3. Police brutality and state violence

As protests have grown, so too has the issue of police brutality. In 2024, several young protesters were shot dead or injured during demonstrations, sparking public outrage.

Recently, police have killed some young people who have been protesting, while authorities have been accused of abductions and killings.

The death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ has ignited fresh claims of executions by authorities. The shooting of city hawker Boniface Kariuki and another youth in Mwiki has also triggered a fresh wave of protests.

They are demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat following the death of Ojwang.

The Gen Z movement has placed a spotlight on extrajudicial killings, abductions, and forced disappearances, demanding accountability and reform within the National Police Service.

The protests have drawn attention to the resurgence of oppressive tactics, including abductions of activists and protest organisers, online surveillance and digital censorship, use of plainclothes officers and arbitrary detentions and intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders.

4. Government accountability and transparency

Gen Z protesters are demanding transparency in public spending, particularly on the growing public debt, state-sponsored luxuries, and corruption.

Many view the government as bloated and unresponsive, with lavish lifestyles at the top clashing with the economic hardship felt by millions.

There are also concerns about the cost of living, with protesters raising alarm over the rising cost of basic goods.

High fuel prices and taxation have made life unaffordable for many, with the high cost of electricity and soaring food prices, as well as healthcare and education that are either unaffordable or of low quality.

5. Non-political, people-powered movement

Unlike past demonstrations led by opposition politicians or civil society groups, Gen Z’s protests are largely nonpartisan and decentralised, organised through social media, especially TikTok, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

They reject traditional political alliances and question the motives of both government and opposition leaders.

However, a section of politicians in the opposition have indicated that they will join the Gen Zs during the June 25 anniversary.

6. Demand for leadership that listens

Ultimately, the Gen Z protests are about being heard. Young Kenyans are demanding a government that consults them, listens to their struggles, and acts in their interest.

They are pushing for a new political culture based on truth, empathy, and inclusion.

What happens next?

As Gen Z prepares for another nationwide protest on June 25, 2025, observers say this movement is more than a reaction to a few things — it’s a generational awakening.

Whether the government responds with reform or repression may shape Kenya’s democracy for years to come.