Parliament in Kenya is currently debating a finance bill that has sparked controversy due to proposed tax hikes that many fear will increase the cost of living. Protesters gathered near parliament in Nairobi to demonstrate against the bill, which includes new taxes and levies that would raise an estimated 346.7 billion shillings ($2.7 billion). The government, led by President William Ruto, has defended the proposed tax increases as necessary to fill its coffers and reduce reliance on external borrowing. However, protesters have criticized the bill for targeting the poor and worsening the cost-of-living crisis in the country.
Tensions escalated as police in Nairobi fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The protests have spread to other cities in Kenya, including Mombasa and Kisumu, both opposition strongholds. Lawmakers in parliament debated the bill, which is in its second reading, amid heavy police presence and roadblocks near the legislative building. Demonstrators, mainly young people and social media users, voiced their discontent with the government and chanted slogans calling for President Ruto to step down.
Tax justice activist Stella Agara highlighted the frustration among Kenyans over the continued increase in taxation, particularly affecting the poorest citizens. She noted the emergence of Generation Z as a prominent group in the protests, expressing their discontent with the government’s insensitivity to their needs. The government made some concessions by removing proposed levies on bread purchases, car ownership, and financial services, but this led to a potential budget shortfall of 200 billion shillings. To cover the shortfall, the government plans to increase fuel prices and export taxes, further burdening citizens already struggling with high inflation.
The protests in Kenya have drawn attention to the discontent among citizens, especially the youth, over the government’s economic policies and the impact on their daily lives. The government’s decision to increase fuel prices and export taxes has raised concerns about a further rise in the cost of living, as fuel is essential for transportation, power generation, and agriculture in the country. Despite the government’s efforts to address some of the concerns raised by protesters, the ongoing demonstrations reflect a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current economic situation in Kenya.
The demonstrations in Kenya have brought together a diverse group of protesters, including young people, social media users, and activists, all united in their opposition to the proposed tax hikes and the government’s economic policies. The heavy-handed response by police, including the use of tear gas and water cannon, has led to clashes and arrests, further escalating tensions. The protests highlight the growing frustration among Kenyans over the increasing cost of living, exacerbated by the government’s plan to raise taxes and implement austerity measures. As the debate over the finance bill continues in parliament, the outcome will have significant implications for the country’s economy and the livelihoods of its citizens.
