15 Questions
What percentage of Kenya's GDP is the national debt currently at?
68%
Which segment of society would have been most affected by the proposed taxes?
Poor and working-class people
What was the primary reason for the proposed tax increases?
To pay down the national debt
What was the reaction of the observers to President William Ruto's announcement?
They were surprised by the decision
What is a common factor cited in academic studies as a trigger for protest and social unrest?
Sharp rises in livelihood goods
What is a possible motivation behind the widespread outrage and collective action in Kenya?
The government's indifference toward Kenyans' ability to live a dignified life
What was removed from the proposed taxes after amendments?
Taxes on sanitary napkins and disposable diapers
What is the primary concern for many Kenyans regarding the country's economic deficit?
Addressing rampant corruption at every level of government
What was the motivation behind the protesters, according to the finance bill?
To express outrage at the government's disregard for their humanity
What was the outcome of the government's attempt to repress the uprising?
The protesters' resolve deepened, and the narrative shifted to marching for freedom
What is a long-standing issue underlying the unrest in Kenya?
The government's disregard for Kenyan lives
What is a consequence of the perceived greed of the political class in Kenya?
Exacerbation of national debt and denial of promised infrastructure upgrades
What is a result of the persistent economic inequality in Kenya?
Slowed poverty reduction rates
What signal did the protests send to the government and international lenders?
That there is little tolerance for raising revenue through regressive taxes
What is a potential outcome of the protests, according to the passage?
A reduction in corruption and more inclusive economic policies
Study Notes
Kenya Protests
- President William Ruto withdrew the finance bill on June 26 after two days of protests against the 2024 budget proposals.
Reasons Behind the Protests
- Sharp rises in prices of essential goods like food and fuel often trigger protests and social unrest.
- Four key issues motivated the protests:
- Taxation of essential items like eggs, sanitary napkins, and disposable diapers, which affected poor and working-class people.
- Perception that the government is indifferent to Kenyans' ability to live a dignified life.
- Government's justification of the tax to pay down the national debt, which currently stands at 68% of GDP, instead of addressing corruption and financial mismanagement.
- Feeling of betrayal among those who voted for Ruto in 2022 based on his promises of progressive taxation.
Underlying Issues
- Perceived disregard for Kenyan lives by the government.
- Long history of social movements against police repression, gender-based violence, and unpreparedness for national emergencies.
- Perceived greed of the political class and high-profile corruption scandals.
- Economic inequality rooted in settler colonial rule, leading to landlessness and concentration of wealth among a few families.
Economic Consequences
- Protests signaled intolerance for regressive taxes and corruption.
- Withdrawal of the finance bill indicates an empowered civil society pushing for greater financial transparency and accountability.
- Prospects of widespread unrest may compel political leaders to be more attuned to the public interest, leading to more inclusive economic policies.
President William Ruto of Kenya withdrew the finance bill after nationwide protests against the 2024 budget proposals. The move follows two days of protests by mostly young people. The decision may not satisfy the protesters, according to Kathleen Klaus, an expert on political violence.
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