Kenya Protests 2024

Questions and Answers

What was the trigger for the protests in Kenya according to the passage?

Rising prices of livelihood goods (correct)

The government's decision to pay down the national debt

The Arab spring movements in other countries

The President's announcement to withdraw the finance bill

What was the proposed tax increase expected to affect the most?

Every segment of society, but more keenly felt by poor and working-class people (correct)

Foreign investors only

Digital content creators only

The rich and wealthy only

Why did the government justify the tax increases according to the passage?

To increase the country's GDP

To benefit digital content creators

To reduce the price of essential goods

To pay down the national debt (correct)

What was removed from the list of taxable items after amendments?

Sanitary napkins and disposable diapers Signup and view all the answers

What is the current national debt of Kenya as a percentage of its GDP according to the passage?

68% Signup and view all the answers

What does the increased tax on essential items represent according to the passage?

The government's indifference toward Kenyans' ability to live a dignified life Signup and view all the answers

What was the president's decision that shocked observers according to the passage?

Withdrawing the finance bill Signup and view all the answers

What is a common factor among the protests in Tunisia, Chile, South Africa, and France according to the passage?

Sharp rises in prices of livelihood goods Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern for many Kenyans regarding the government's approach to addressing the deficit?

Addressing corruption and financial mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable aspect of the finance bill passed on 25 June?

It completely disregarded the humanity of many Kenyans Signup and view all the answers

What was a motivating factor for protesters in addition to the finance bill?

The government's attempt to repress the uprising Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-standing and unresolved issue behind the unrest?

The government's disregard for Kenyan lives Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the protests signaling to the government and international lenders?

A decreased tolerance for corruption Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of the protests and the withdrawal of the finance bill?

A shift towards more inclusive economic policies Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the richest 10% of Kenyans?

They own a vast share of the country's arable land Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in poverty reduction rates in Kenya?

Poverty reduction rates have slowed due to persistent inequality Signup and view all the answers

What has been the result of decades of high-profile corruption scandals in Kenya?

A denial of critical infrastructure upgrades and improved service delivery Signup and view all the answers

What was the reported death toll during the protests?

At least 13 people Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kenya Protests: Background and Causes

Tens of thousands of mostly young protesters took to the streets in nationwide rallies against the 2024 budget proposals in Kenya.
The protests were triggered by sharp rises in livelihood goods, especially food and fuel, which often serve as a catalyst for social unrest.

Key Issues Behind the Protests

The proposed taxes would have affected every segment of society, but poor and working-class people would have been most affected.
The taxes would have increased healthcare costs and affected digital content creators.
The government's justification of the tax as a means to pay down the national debt (68% of GDP) was not convincing to many Kenyans.
Corruption, financial mismanagement, and lavish spending among political elites were seen as more pressing issues to address the deficit.

Protesters' Frustrations and Demands

Many Kenyans felt that the finance bill disregarded their humanity and showed an inability or refusal by political elites to recognize economic precarity, poverty, and everyday struggle.
Protesters were also motivated by the government's brutal attempt to repress the uprising, which resulted in at least 13 deaths.
The protests shifted to marching for freedom and honoring Kenyans killed by the police.

Underlying and Unresolved Issues

A long history of the government's disregard for Kenyan lives and numerous social movements have captured this sentiment.
Perceived greed of the political class, including high-profile corruption scandals, exacerbates national debt and denies Kenyans critical infrastructure upgrades.
Enduring economic inequality, rooted in settler colonial rule, has rendered much of the population landless.

Economic Consequences and Impact of the Protests

The protests signaled to the government and international lenders that there is little tolerance for raising revenue through regressive taxes.
The protests showed growing public intolerance of corruption and signaled an empowered and emboldened civil society.
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill may compel political leaders to be more attuned to the public interest, leading to more inclusive economic policies.

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Description

Explore the background and causes of the nationwide protests in Kenya against the 2024 budget proposals, triggered by rising costs of livelihood goods and proposed taxes.