What aggrieved Gen Zs want amid broken promises, reveals poll

Gen Z during the protests/File

Political dissatisfaction, the high cost of living and youth joblessness top the list of Gen Z concerns even as the government promises reforms and economic empowerment.

This is a shift from June 2024 when the Finance Bill was the main bone of contention. Kenyans poured into the streets up in arms against heavy taxation and wastage of public cash on non-priority expenditure coupled with public display of opulence.

A new study by GeoPoll, a global research and data giant, shows the young population is still concerned about taxation and corruption, with the top leadership put on the spot for failing to address the issues raised.

In 2024, the Finance Bill, economic hardship and misrule dominated the conversation, with citizens outraged by high living costs, unaccountable leadership and run away unemployment.

In contrast, the 2025 survey reveals that political dissatisfaction has surpassed economic concerns as the primary reason for protest (31 per cent), while the cost of living has decreased to 22 per cent and corruption to just nine per cent.

“Youth unemployment and taxation remain persistent issues, but the data suggests that frustrations have evolved from specific grievances to broader disillusionment with the political system, indicating a deepening mistrust in governance and a rising demand for structural change,” the GeoPoll leadership said.

On what had changed between June 25, 2024 and June 25, 2025, those surveyed were asked to compare the state of the country following the 2024 protests and the current situation. Some 57 per cent  expressed the belief that “nothing had really changed.”

This sentiment reflects a widespread perception of stagnation in governance, accountability, and socioeconomic conditions, despite the significant national and international attention that the 2024 protests received.

The results indicate that for most Kenyans, the promises of reforms and open dialogue made after last year’s demonstrations have not led to any real improvements.

“This deep sense of disillusionment may be fueling ongoing civic unrest and the persistent demand for systemic change,” GeoPoll said.

Based on the findings, public trust in the government to address the concerns raised during the protests is notably low.

A combined 63 per cent of respondents indicated minimal confidence, 38 per cent said they trust the government “very little,” and 26 per cent said “not at all.”

Only 24 per cent expressed a moderate level of trust by selecting “somewhat,” while just 14 per cent reported having “very much” trust.

About 71 per cent of respondents indicated that their voice is not being heard by the government, with only 11 per cent feeling that their concerns are being acknowledged, while 18 per cent were unsure.

The vast majority of respondents, 79 per cent, believe that the government is not addressing the needs of the youth. Only eight per cent feel that youth concerns are being taken into account, while 12 per cent are unsure.

The exclusive survey was conducted via the GeoPoll mobile application on June 26, 2025, in Kenya.

The sample size consisted of 915 randomly selected GeoPoll users aged 18 and above. Since the survey was randomly distributed and conducted online, the results were slightly skewed toward younger respondents.

However, this demographic tilt aligns well with the nature of the June 25, 2025 protests, which were predominantly youth-led, making the findings especially representative of the core participants and voices behind the demonstrations.

Policymakers, private sector players and experts have since called for “de-escalation” of the current national socioeconomic climate.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance says the recent protests, including the Saba Saba demonstrations held on Monday, July 7, 2025, have increasingly escalated into violence, resulting in additional loss of life, livelihoods and damage to both private and public property.

Both large and small businesses, which are direct or indirect Kepsa members, have been impacted by the protests.

“As we engage the private sector to assess the overall socioeconomic impact, we commit to collaborating with relevant institutions and stakeholders at the highest level to develop solutions to the grievances raised, as well as to identify ways to manage protests that don’t lead to loss of life and livelihoods; such as the full implementation of the Maraga Taskforce Police Reforms Report,” Kepsa chief executive Carole Kariuki said.

The organisation has outlined major concerns by the public as, among others, lack of transparency in the management of national resources and finances, lack of access to quality and affordable education and healthcare systems.

There is also a concern over inadequate allocation of resources towards infrastructure development, inefficient access to government services and a deteriorating business environment that makes it challenging for the private sector, from SMEs to multinationals, to create and maintain jobs.

In 2025, Kenya's unemployment rate is projected to be 7.23 per cent, with approximately 1.95 million people unemployed. 

This represents a modest rise from previous years. The situation is particularly challenging for young people, with a significant portion facing limited access to meaningful job opportunities.

The 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that 782,300 new jobs were created in 2024, with 90 per cent of these in the informal sector. 

The informal sector accounted for 83.6 per cent of total jobs, while formal employment represented 16.4 per cent.

Education, agriculture, retail trade and public administration and defence were the top employing sectors. 

The manufacturing sector, retail and transport suffered as supply chains were disrupted during protests, hindering day-to-day operations.

It is estimated that more than Sh3 billion is lost in Nairobi alone during protests.

“Their activism is driven by high youth unemployment (67 Per cent for under 35s), rising living costs, and controversial policies like the 2024 Finance Bill. They seek job creation, reduced reliance on loans and an end to corruption, including political patronage via harambees,” he said.

The protests, sparked by incidents such as the  killing of blogger Albert Ojwang, the first anniversary of the lives lost on June 25, 2024 and the killing of vendor Boniface Kariuki also highlight the need for justice for police violence, with over 60 deaths reported in 2024, he noted.

The Federation of Kenya Employers has called for accountability and efficiency in execution of the Sh4.3 trillion budget, amid calls to tame borrowing.

“Our fear is that the fiscal deficit and borrowing remain very high and we need to continue integrating spending to reduce this in the revised budget and future budgets,” FKE CEO Jacqueline Mugo told the Star.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has made a raft of proposals to the government to put an end to youth-led protests that have rocked the country and enhance service delivery.

He has proposed an "inclusive inter-generational national conclave" to hear Kenyans and come up with reforms to take the country forward.

He says the country should urgently turn to the agenda of comprehensive police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency and improve the police-to-people relationships.

Raila said Kenyans are yearning for programmes and leaders who prioritise economic inclusivity, social justice and political freedom.

"We must end impunity and corruption within our three arms of government, our leaders must become modest, ethical, humble and accountable," he said.

President William Ruto last week dismissed claims that youth unemployment began with his administration, arguing that the problem has persisted for decades due to lack of structured government intervention.

“Unemployment did not start with the administration of William Ruto. The problem exists because we have never had a proper plan or structured government strategy like the one I have put in place. That is why we have had such a serious backlog of joblessness,” the President said.

He said for young people to find employment, there must be a clear plan, insisting that jobs cannot be obtained through chaos, property destruction or disturbing the peace.

The survey by GeoPoll indicates that Kenyans want change for protests to stop, with those surveyed saying the top demand for ending protests is leadership change, cited by 42 per cent of participants.

This is followed by calls for youth empowerment and employment (13 per cent) and tackling corruption (12 per cent).

Other key demands include economic reform, ending abductions and killings, and greater public inclusion in decision-making.