- Mwaura said there is fear that if the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact in the new financial year.
- The government appealed to the Gen Zs to reconsider their plans of holding demonstration since their grievances have been addressed.
Image: ISAAC MWAURA/X
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said the country has lost approximately Sh6 billion as a result of the Gen Z demonstrations.
"Overall, the country has lost approximately Sh6 billion, according to Kenya Revenue Authority, as a result of the demonstrations," he said.
Mwaura said there is fear that if the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact in the new financial year.
He further appealed to the Gen Zs to reconsider their plans of holding demonstrations since their grievances have been addressed.
Mwaura also said the demos have been infiltrated by goons whose aim is to destabilise the country's peace and prosperity.
"The government reaffirms that the President and the whole of the government at large have heard your loud and clear voices and we are ready to act on your concerns as demonstrated by recent developments," he said.
Mwaura noted that President William Ruto has taken a number of steps in response to the protesters' concerns regarding the governance of the country.
These include the rejection of the Finance Bill, and reduction of expenses, which Mwaura said portrayed the government's commitment to streamline and ensure transparency and response to the Gen Z calls for fiscal discipline and responsibility.
Mwaura added that the President is committed to having an open dialogue with the youth as demonstrated by his move to hold an X-Space engagement.
The Gen Zs started protesting on June 18, 2024, and on June 25, 2024, they occupied the Parliament in a bid to resist the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024.
On June 26, 2024, President William Ruto said he will not sign the Finance Bill into law and has called for its withdrawal.
Saying he has listened to the views of Kenyans, the President pointed out that he would go by the wishes of the people.
"Listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and shall subsequently be withdrawn," he said while addressing Kenyans from the State House.