“The majority of youths who mobilised on X (twitter) and actively participated in the hiatus protest have not read the controversial finance bill in full… The newly policies were also not communicated adequately,” a seasoned Public Communications Specialist and emerging Researcher in Public Policy and Analysis based at Egerton University, Kenya, Kurian Musa, bares it all on “Peace, Bill, and Protest – Examining the Triangle of Kenyan Crisis” during the Platforms Africa e-Discourse. Excerpts;
What has been the state of economy in Kenya since the new president assumed office?
According to President William Ruto’s recent media interview, Kenya’s economy saw its real GDP grow by approximately 5.4% in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2022. The agricultural sector notably rebounded beyond expectations following two years of drought. Favorable rainfall contributed to increased crop yields and improved livestock health, thereby aiding in reducing poverty rates once again. Additionally, the government has focused on the digital economy, emphasizing the digitization of government services to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
Does it mean, the President saw the new financial bill as a way out for the economic mess in the country?
It is a yes and No. He’s been saying he. Inherited a public debt. He’s been trying to be cutting public expenditure.
Sure, that has been the issue. Dealing with the public debt. Research shows that most Kenyans, including Gen Z, have not read the Finance Bill 2024 in its entirety or have read parts without fully internalizing its content. More especially Sensitisation on the fiscal policy as well as monetary policy of the government.
Pundits suggest that Kenyans must decide whether to face economic challenges now or postpone them, allowing debt to grow. With debt repayment increasing, more revenue must be generated. Kenyans need to identify specific areas for taxation.
Most recent, the president appointed a taskforce to deal unearth a forensic audit of public debt.
The Finance Bill 2024 is a document that speaks largely to the USA Party Manifesto, which analysts say has populist policies, which the short term looks good, but Gen Z see as a problem to the Country’s debt that keeps on pilling and inherited
What were the provisions in the bill? And, why did they lead to protest?
The Finance Bill 2024 is a document that speaks largely to the USA Party Manifesto, which analysts say has populist policies, which the short term looks good, but Gen Z see as a problem to the Country’s debt that keeps on pilling and inherited.
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The bill has many new aspects thoigh the bill has undergone through the normal budget cycle.
I largely understand that the issue of the Finance bill 2024 aren’t new, however, the newly introduced fiscal and monetary policies were not communicated adequately during public participation. Issues like increase in tax for sanitary pads, VAT on foreign remittances, tax on bread and other basic commodities were removed in the final bill passed.
However These protests were orchestrated by certain “good financiers” with hidden motives, they resemble past protests organized by known actors and organizations.
While youth involvement in nation-building is commendable, we must be careful not to radicalize them.
What is the latest on the Kenyan protest?
The latest on the Kenyan protests is that President William Ruto recently led an online meeting with the Generation Z age group on X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces), a platform that significantly mobilized the youth during the protests. A number of burials have taken place for the protesters who lost their lives. Currently, the protests have taken a hiatus, but security remains heightened, including the deployment of the Kenya Army to protect critical infrastructure and essential services. Despite this, leaders who supported the Finance Bill (pro-government) are avoiding public events due to concerns about youth disrupting their speeches.
Has Kenya experienced a protest of this magnitude since President assumed office?
Kenya has not experienced a protest of this magnitude since President William Ruto assumed office. The recent protests have been significant, particularly due to the active involvement of the youth, mobilized through platforms like X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces). The intensity of these protests and the subsequent security measures, including the deployment of the Kenya Army, highlight their unprecedented scale under the current administration.
Any fatality? What are the effects?
Obviously there are.
Yes, there have been fatalities resulting from the recent protests in Kenya. Several protesters lost their lives, leading to a number of burials. The effects of these protests have been profound. The heightened tensions have necessitated reinforced security measures, including the deployment of the Kenya Army to protect critical infrastructure and essential services. Additionally, the protests have created an atmosphere of fear among pro-government leaders, who are now avoiding public events to prevent potential confrontations with the youth. The unrest has also underscored the significant discontent among the population, particularly concerning the Finance Bill.
Now that the President has backed down on the fiscal bill, are there signs that the protesters are also backing down?
While President William Ruto has backed down on the fiscal bill, it remains to be seen if the protesters will also back down. The situation is still evolving, and although the protests have taken a hiatus, the underlying issues that fueled the unrest, such as economic concerns and government accountability, may continue to drive public sentiment. The youth, who played a significant role in the protests, might still be wary and watchful of future government actions. The reinforcement of security measures, including the deployment of the Kenya Army, indicates that the government remains cautious about the possibility of further unrest.
What are the lessons for other African leaders (who enjoyed the goodwill of their people) on policy formation and implementation?
Let me look at it from a Generational point.
Lessons from the “Gen Z” protests over the Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya are immense.
Other African leaders can learn the importance of inclusive and transparent policy formation, considering the public’s concerns and potential impacts on their livelihoods. Engaging with stakeholders and maintaining open communication can help prevent widespread discontent and unrest. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms for dialogue, especially with younger demographics, can be crucial in understanding and addressing their needs and grievances. Proactive measures to address economic challenges and clear communication of policy benefits are essential to maintaining public trust and support.
Is there any hope in sight? What should be done to end this crisis?
Well, this is what the government is seeking. To sell hoe to its people. It’s a hard tussle that his advisors are dealing with as much as he’s said he’s cutting down budgets of first ladies and reduce number of advisors.
Yes, there is hope in sight for resolving the current crisis. The process of setting the public policy agenda is still underway, even though the government was caught off guard by the reaction to the Finance Bill. Moving forward, it is crucial for the government to actively involve Generation Z and other population groups in the decision-making process, not just as a formality, but as integral participants whose voices and concerns are genuinely considered.
To end the crisis, the government should engage in open and transparent dialogue with the public. This means maintaining clear communication about policy decisions and the reasons behind them, as well as actively listening to the concerns of the populace. Inclusivity should be a priority, ensuring that a diverse range of stakeholders is involved in policy formation to prevent any group from feeling disenfranchised.
Adapting to digital platforms is also essential. The government should leverage the power of social media and other digital tools to engage with younger generations, gather their feedback, and understand their perspectives. Recognizing the influence of these platforms can help the government stay connected with the youth and address their concerns more effectively.
Moreover, the government must address the underlying economic challenges that contribute to public discontent. By taking proactive steps to support sustainable development and reduce inequality, the government can create a more stable and equitable society.
Therefore , by involving Gen Z and other population groups in a meaningful way, maintaining open communication, promoting inclusivity, leveraging digital platforms, and addressing economic issues, the government can restore trust, prevent future unrest, and create a more responsive and effective policy-making process.
In other African countries, the President would have blamed opposition members for the protests. Did this come up in Kenya?
Hehehe. Not exactly, but some “Financiers and opportunists” in the Gen Z protests have been discussed.
The government has stated that the protests were well founded by the young people though there were further opportunists who wanted to take advantage and spoil private property and cause damage to the economy.
Members of parliament allied to the Presidency have said that some politicians wanted to stage a coup de tat in the guise of youth protests. For example the Mogotio Member of parliament Hon Reuben Kiborek, Hon Osoro Sylvanus, the Majority Whip among others.
I read a Kenyan complaining on Facebook that he doesn’t come from the “right tribe”, is ethnicity one reason that drove Gen Z to the protests. How serious is it?
The situation is still not fully in control, as the president has not come to public spaces to pronounce public policies freely.
Though, the succession politics have also been mentioned since the protest on Gen Z are seen as a generational change rather than the usual tribal, party and cronyism politics.
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Gen Z has fashioned their protests as non tribal, non partisan, and does not have a spokesman. This has been a paradox
For the benefit of those who are not in Kenya, what do you mean by the USA party manifesto?
I mean UDA Party Manifesto which is now seen to be pleasing the American ideologies
What role did strategic communication or lack of it play in the whole scenario?
The strategic communications had no sufficient intelligence to package the president’s speech.
The crisis communications was bangled. The team kept the president speaking back to protesters.
Though the issues had been raised, parliament would have forestalled the protest if it removed the bill in the order paper on that particular day.
I like you to respond to the questions below:
1. What is your personal opinion on Ruto’s government/policy
2. Do you think that Kenyan people trust this government?
3. is it honestly possible that opposition party will not be involved in the protest one way or the other ?
My opinion is that the president has had populist policies. While these policies align with populist tendencies by addressing immediate needs and appealing to popular support, their long-term sustainability and impact on economic stability remain subject to scrutiny and ongoing assessment. Critics argue that populist policies, if not balanced with fiscal discipline and structural reforms, could pose challenges to sustainable development and governance effectiveness over time.
On trust issues, we need a proper research to be done. But casual observations is that the promises have been much and delivery slow.
After all these, what is pathway – political and citizen actions to take Kenya out of the wood and avoid repeat?
Has Ruto, intellectuals, CSO, consider any apart from optics of token concessions?
The opposition has found itself in the right side of history. This a great platform to ride on. The opposition leader has already spoken in support of the dropping of the bill.
Opposition MP for Rarieda seasoned Senior Counsel Otiende Amolo has already drafted the repeal bill for the finance act 2024.
I believe that, Economic reforms should focus on sustainable development. The government needs to prioritize long-term economic policies that promote sustainable development by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Diversifying the economy to reduce reliance on a few sectors will also create more resilient economic growth.
This can help remove Kenya from the woodworks.
While President Ruto has made some efforts to address recent unrest through diplomatic missions and policy adjustments, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This approach must go beyond token concessions and address the root causes of discontent. By promoting inclusive policy-making, enhancing transparency and accountability, implementing sustainable economic reforms, and strengthening institutions, Kenya can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future. At the same time, active citizen engagement, advocacy, and community resilience will ensure that the voices of the people continue to shape the nation’s path forward.
This edition of e-Discourse, a weekly event organised by Platforms Africa, a forum created by award-winning African journalist, Adeola Yusuf, is moderated by Accra, Ghana-based veteran journalist, Francis KOKUTSE
