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Public finance

Kenyan Gen Zs' Protests Against Punitive Taxation Measures Leave Lasting Impact

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The June 2024 protests by Kenyan Gen Zs against punitive taxation measures, which resulted in the storming of Parliament for the first time in history, have led to significant changes in budgeting processes. The protests, which left over 50 Kenyans dead, ultimately led to the Finance Bill 2024 being declined by President William Ruto. Governance expert Mr. Barasa Nyukuri notes that the current budget-making regime is an improvement from previous processes, which were shrouded in secrecy. The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) credits Gen Zs with demonstrating the power of collective action through social media, influencing policy decisions, and pushing for more transparent and accountable governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests by Kenyan Gen Zs against punitive taxation measures left over 50 Kenyans dead, a majority of them young people.
  • The Finance Bill 2024 was declined by President William Ruto after Gen Zs' protests.
  • Governance expert Mr. Barasa Nyukuri notes that the current budget-making regime is an improvement from previous processes, which were shrouded in secrecy.
  • The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) attributes Gen Zs' collective action to their digital fluency, strong opinions, and financial literacy, leading to calls for more transparent and accountable governance.
  • National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge announced that future Finance Bills will undergo public participation in the country's 290 constituencies to enlighten Kenyans on the contents of the Bill.
  • The budget-making process involves several stages, including departmental committees' stakeholder engagement, the Finance and National Planning Committee's review, and the Budget and Appropriations Committee's recommendations.
  • The Public Finance Management (PFM) Act requires the Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill to be signed into law by June 30th every year for the new financial year.

Statistics:

  • Over 50 Kenyans died during the protests against punitive taxation measures.
  • The protests led to the decline of the Finance Bill 2024.
  • 290 constituencies in Kenya will undergo public participation in the future Finance Bills.
  • Departmental committees have 21 days to consider the budget estimates through open sessions.
  • The Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill must be signed into law by June 30th every year for the new financial year.

Sources:

  • Finance Bill 2024
  • President William Ruto's decline of the Finance Bill 2024
  • Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)
  • National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge's announcement of public participation in future Finance Bills
  • National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi's statement on the 2025/26 budget
  • National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's warning to MPs against misleading Kenyans on the contents of the Bill
  • Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed's warning against misinformation on the contents of the Bill
  • Public Finance Management (PFM) Act

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