Video - Kenya's Gen Z Leads Charge: Protests Ignite Over Controversial Finance Bill and Tax Hikes

Kenyans are protesting a controversial finance bill that seeks to tax essential commodities amid a slow economy. The bill also allows the revenue authority to monitor the citizens’ financial records. What are the demands? The #OccupyParliament protesters are demanding that MPs reject the finance bill in its entirety and draft a new one. They are threatening to paralyse business across the country if the legislators dare pass the bill. What does Kenya’s burgeoning debt have to do with it? Kenya is in a liquidity crisis. Its total debt repayment stands at 58.8% of government revenue. This leaves little for development & social services. Consequently, the State has turned to more taxes to plug the deficit. Why are Gen Zs leading the protests Often dismissed as unconcerned about civic issues, Kenyan Gen Zs are shrugging off the misconception. They are the new face of protests. The anger started on TikTok about the unpopular bill before quickly exploding into nationwide protests.