In June 2024, Kenya faced widespread protests led by young people against the proposed Finance Bill 2024. The bill suggested higher taxes, which many citizens felt would worsen the already high cost of living. The protests spread across 35 of the country’s 47 counties, with demonstrators expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s plans.
In response to the public outcry, President William Ruto chose not to sign the Finance Bill into law. Instead, he sent it back to the National Assembly for further review, as allowed by the Kenyan Constitution.
Following this decision, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged that the government had made mistakes in the proposed bill. He admitted that some of the suggested tax measures were not well thought out and could have placed an unfair burden on citizens. Mbadi emphasized the importance of listening to the people’s concerns and promised to revise the bill to better reflect the needs of all Kenyans.
The government’s willingness to reconsider the Finance Bill 2024 shows the power of peaceful protest and the importance of public participation in decision-making. By voicing their concerns, the youth played a crucial role in shaping policies that affect their future.
By Nairobi