Kenyan Youth Rise: The Voice of a Generation

On June 25, 2025, Nairobi became a vibrant stage for the resilience of its youth. Clutching banners and donning bold bandanas, hundreds took to the streets not just to protest, but to honor the memory of over 60 fellow demonstrators who lost their lives in similar protests the previous year. But before marching, there was a somber task: writing their own eulogies—just in case.

Among the many voices rising in fervor, 19-year-old Wilson, a jobless Nairobi resident, proclaimed, “I didn’t care if I died. We have no life as it is. There are no jobs, the cost of living is high, and Kenyans are really struggling.” His words resonated deeply in the hearts of many, capturing the pervasive disillusionment felt by youth across the nation.

Wilson’s striking statement encapsulated a sentiment echoed by myriad young Kenyans on social media platforms. Many crafted poignant video farewells, knowing this protest could very well be their last. With courage painted on their faces under masks, they ventured out into a volatile landscape, fully aware of the potential for violence, as past protests had tragically shown. Reflecting on their fears, Wilson stated, “We have a government that isn’t listening to its people.”

Tragically, his worries were warranted. On that fateful day, the sound of gunfire rang out once more, leaving at least 19 confirmed dead and countless injuries—a somber reminder of the high stakes involved in the fight for justice. “We knew what was at stake,” Wilson lamented in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. He felt an overwhelming compulsion to protest for a better future for all Kenyans, a choice he illuminated with heartfelt gratitude toward his parents in his TikTok farewell.

The atmosphere in Kenya is charged with a palpable anger, driven by growing frustrations towards President William Ruto, elected in 2022, who initially campaigned as a champion for the working-class “hustlers.” However, at home, he is begrudgingly referred to by the locals as ‘Zakayo’—a nod to a biblical figure known for his greed. This name highlights the growing discontent with political figures, perceived as out of touch while the general populace grapples with daily hardships.

Despite his polished image on the global stage, Ruto’s popularity continues to wane at home. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen attempted to downplay the situation, claiming that the police acted reasonably and accusing the demonstrators of aiming for regime change. He described the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent.” Such statements only fueled the fire, illustrating the widening gap between the government and its people.

Change, however, is elusive. Protests show no signs of abating, with new demonstrations scheduled for the upcoming weeks. The sentiment on the streets reflected a familiar refrain: “Nothing has changed in the last year. It’s the same monkeys, different forest,” said Evans, 30, donning a mask against tear gas. This metaphor highlights the growing frustration with a cyclical political landscape, prompting many young people to ask themselves: when will real change come?

Interestingly, some economists have observed a backdrop of cautious progress. This year, the government retreated from some controversial financial measures that had previously ignited outrage, opting for a more conservative approach in its latest finance bill. Yet, as Jervin Naidoo, a political economist at Oxford Economics Africa, pointed out, while the new measures might bring temporary relief, they fail to address deeply-rooted economic pressures. “Unemployment stands at around 13%, but the youth unemployment rate is alarmingly high at 67%,” he noted. This begs the question: What will it take to create sustainable job opportunities for Kenya’s youth?

The rising unrest has also spurred discussion among lawmakers about potentially draconian legislation to curb protests near key government institutions. Such moves, however, seem unlikely to quell the determination of those already resolved to march. Joy, a hopeful 25-year-old student, declared, “It won’t be over until this government goes. They can’t kill us all.” Her fearless resolve captures the undying spirit of many, suggesting a collective commitment to demanding accountability and change.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges. But as these young men and women step boldly into the streets, confronting fears with unwavering resolve, one must ponder: Will their voices echo loud enough to be heard, or will they be drowned out in a sea of indifference? The march continues, and with each step, they not only commemorate those who came before but inspire a future worth fighting for.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring