Abiola Adedolapo
In 2024, Kenya has seen a lot of political chaos and public unrest due to the controversial Finance Bill 2024. This bill, part of an IMF program, suggests ways to raise money that many Kenyans think will hit lower and middle-income people the hardest. People all over the country have been protesting, especially young, tech-savvy individuals asking for fair treatment in the economy.
The Finance Bill 2024 includes various revenue-raising measures, such as increased value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods and services, higher income taxes, and new levies on digital transactions.
These proposals have been met with widespread opposition, with critics arguing that they disproportionately affect the poor and middle class while doing little to address systemic corruption and economic inequality
In major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, thousands of protesters have flooded the streets. The demonstrations have been a blend of peaceful marches and intense confrontations with security personnel. Reports from Nairobi detail instances of authorities resorting to extreme measures, such as using live ammunition, to scatter the crowds, leading to a high number of injuries and fatalities. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the significant levels of violence and has urged for an impartial inquiry into the actions of the security forces.
Kenya is also facing a distressing increase in femicide cases, sparking immediate demands for action to combat violence against women. Despite government initiatives and current legal structures, gender-based violence persists, with over 500 women and girls murdered since 2016. Activists and groups like UN Women are advocating for stricter law enforcement, societal shifts, and improved support for survivors.
"Each loss serves as a clear signal of the deep-rooted problems we are working tirelessly to address," remarked Mary Njeri, a gender-based violence analyst at UN Women.
The protests against the Finance Bill have also served as a platform for highlighting the urgent need to address violence against women and girls in Kenya.In response to the protests, the government has made some concessions, withdrawing certain regressive tax proposals. However, the broader fight for economic justice and gender equality continues.
The movement has really brought together a whole new group of activists and shown how powerful it is when people join forces and use social media to make a difference.
Amidst these challenging times in Kenya, the resounding calls for transformation from the country's youth and champions of women's rights reverberate with a compelling plea for progress. The repercussions of these demonstrations have the potential to mold the nation's future path significantly, emphasizing the critical requirement for comprehensive reforms and enhanced safeguards for every individual within its borders.
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