The “Reject Finance Bill” movement has become a significant trend in Kenya, amassing nearly 1.4 million posts on X (formerly Twitter).
This surge in online activity reflects widespread public dissatisfaction, with many Kenyans taking to the streets in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Thika to protest against the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
On social media, Kenyans are voicing their opposition to the bill, urging their members of parliament to reject it entirely rather than amending it. The hashtag has gained international traction, trending in countries outside Kenya, including France, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Qatar, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Another related hashtag, “Occupy Parliament,” is also trending.
The youth, particularly Generation Z, have been notably active in these protests, impressing many with their large turnout and vocal stance against the bill. This generational involvement highlights the significant role that young people are playing in the political landscape of Kenya.
In response to the public uproar, the Kenya Kwanza administration backed down on some of the proposed taxation measures on Tuesday, including a controversial 16 percent VAT on bread. Despite these concessions, the debate over the Finance Bill 2024 remains heated.
The bill is slated to be passed before July 1, marking the beginning of the 2024/25 budget cycle. As the deadline approaches, the intensity of the protests and the volume of online discourse suggest that the government’s handling of this bill will continue to be a major point of contention.
