Gen Z revolution is an idea whose time has come – Kabando

The ongoing reform agenda spearheaded by the youth continues to elicit mixed reactions from ordinary Kenyans and opinion shapers as the focus now turns to resolving the key issues of agitation.

President William Ruto already declined to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024 and has since caused the formation of the National Multi-Sectoral Forum to facilitate stakeholder engagement to resolve the issues raised.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said on Saturday the 100-member team will comprise national-level umbrella organizations representing the youth, civil society, religious organizations, professional bodies, business community organizations, academia and student leadership.

He said Majority and Minority leaders of Parliament, the Council of Governors and other stakeholder groups will also nominate representatives to constitute the National Steering Committee of the NMSF.

Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has commended the young generation of Kenyans whose unwavering determination to reject the Finance Bill paved the way for the national discourse.

In his opinion, the former legislator said the revolution is an idea whose time was nigh.

“Gen Z Millennials' nonviolent revolution against the status quo is an idea whose time has come. Power belongs to the people,” he said in a statement on X.

The Kenyan Gen Zs have made international headlines since they first poured on the streets on June 18 demanding that the now-impugned Finance Bill, 2024 be rejected in its entirety.

The Finance Committee of the National Assembly tabled the Bill with amendments having dropped some of the most contentious clauses but the group of youthful demonstrators said in one voice, “Reject, not amend!”

In his address to the nation on Wednesday, June 26, the President said he had heard the voice of Kenyans and their reservations on the proposed new taxes and resolved not to append his signature.

“Following the passage of the Bill, the country witnessed widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions,” he said.

“Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the Bill.” 

The President further said a multi-sectoral, multistakeholder team would be constituted within 14 days to chart the way forward on matters relating to the content of the bill

In his statement, the Head of Public Service said the areas of concern that will shape the discussions the NMSF will focus on are Jobs and other opportunities, the country’s tax policy and the national debt burden.

He said representation and accountability, anti-corruption measures and any other agenda items as deemed appropriate will be discussed.

On Sunday, the President held a media roundtable at State House where he stated that he welcomed the idea of engaging the youth on X, the platform they are most comfortable with articulating their issues.

 “I have heard that they do not want a multisectoral forum, and maybe we should engage on X, and I'm open to talking with them on a forum they are comfortable with," Ruto said.

“Tell me who among you is going to set up the X Space and either Thursday or Friday, I will be there.”