Youth Activism in Kenya: Demanding Government Accountability and Transparency

On April 1st, youth activists from Kenya gathered virtually from Nairobi for a panel moderated by CGT Chair Adam Tooze. Panelists reflected on the country's 2024 historic protests and young people's concerns for the future. Rather than allowing these fears to immobilize them, these youth are raising their voices, both within their communities and to those in power, advocating for change to the status quo. This event builds on research conducted with Kenyan youth as part of the Youth in a Changing World project, which explored young people's desires, ambitions, and anxieties in today's era. The panel featured Angel Mbuthia, a Director on the Kenya National Youth Council Board; Judith Achieng, a programs officer at Siasa; and Javan Ofula, co-founder of the Dandora Community Justice Center, a member center of the Social Justice Movement of Kenya.

The event opened with the Columbia Global Nairobi Director Murugi Ndirangu, who provided an overview of Kenya's history of movements and the unique qualities of this era. From the struggle for independence onward, Kenyan youth have consistently engaged in politics, voicing their opinions against repressive governments. This spirit endures in a population where 80% are between 18 and 34. Nonetheless,  Kenya continues to face cyclic intermittent violence along tribal lines, benefiting political elites while deepening divisions among the people, resulting in economic regression and loss of life.

The protests of 2024 marked a turning point, as the proposed 2024 Financial Bill united youth in a nationwide movement demanding greater accountability and transparency in the country's financial dealings. These calls for change were met with violent repression, including mass arrests and internet shutdowns. Globally, the protests reflected the youth's growing frustration and disillusionment in a world that had failed to live up to its promise of progress. Across Africa, similar protests in Uganda, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ghana, and South Africa have contributed to what has been dubbed the 2024 Youth Africa Uprising. Youth are reacting to growing threats to their current socio-economic conditions and future prospects.

An important context for the 2024 protests is the relatively recent adoption of the Constitution of Kenya. Written in 2010, the document was initially viewed as strong and pro-people. However, the current administration has weakened its power by deprioritizing its implementation and diverting resources. Angel Mbuthia emphasized that the youth leading the fight today are products of the 2003 to 2005 rollout of free primary education, representing a new generation of educated and empowered youth. She notes that while President Ruto’s 2022 election promised to uplift the youth, it instead has resulted in worsening economic hardships. When young people voiced concerns about the high cost of living, widespread unemployment, and systemic corruption, their concerns were met with arrogance and dismissal from the political elite. Despite having a highly educated youth population, Kenya continues to squander this potential by failing to provide job opportunities within the country. As a result, many young people feel there is no future for them in Kenya and believe their best prospects lie abroad.

The main driver of the youth's frustration regarding transparency is not accidental; it stems from a deliberate strategy by the government to suppress the demands of a growing population. Judy Achieng argues that once young people believe the dysfunction is due to corrupt leaders restricting their rights, they will feel compelled to take action. In response to these limitations, youth are taking action in the only way they can: through protest. No longer afraid to demand their rights, they are determined to continue until real change is achieved.

When asked about the future of protest in Kenya, Javan Ofula emphasized that the 2024 protests were not an outlier or an end but rather a trial run for even larger mobilizations in the future. As frustration builds over the rising cost of living, coupled with unemployment, young taxpayers are growing resentful of a system that does not deliver. He emphasized that discontent has deepened further due to the government’s mismanagement of tax dollars on personal projects, such as redesigning the State House, instead of investing in critical sectors like education and healthcare. In response, Kenyans are fighting for better governance and finding solidarity in youth movements across the continent.

The youth will not remain complacent while corrupt government leaders jeopardize their future. The 2024 protests marked a moment of solidarity among Kenyan youth and a demand for greater transparency and accountability. The panel highlighted the optimism and potential of “Gen Z's,” both within Africa and globally. Through their commitment, resilience, and vision, the success of the youth movement is unquestionable; what remains to be seen is how soon the world will embrace the transformative power of Africa’s youth.