The Occupy Parliament Protest began on social media where dissatisfaction with the Finance Bill 2024 quickly gained momentum.
This online discontent soon transformed into a major civic movement.
David Ndii, chairperson of President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, had initially downplayed the unrest.
However, the opposition to the bill turned it into significant public action. This demonstrated a growing political consciousness among Kenyans, especially those previously disengaged.
Digital tools and AI in activism
Kenyan youth utilized their tech skills to raise awareness and mobilize support against the Finance Bill.
They created AI tools to answer questions about the bill and even produced AI-generated music.
Kelvin Ndemo, for instance, developed Finance Bill GPT to help people ask questions and understand the bill’s implications.
The song created with AI reached close to a million views on social media. This digital activism caught many leaders off guard as they underestimated the potential impact of online engagement on real-world protests.
Simplifying Finance Bill for ordinary Kenyans
Kenyan finance blogs like Moneyspaceused AI tools like Gemini, Koala AI, and ChatGPT to break down the contents of the Finance Bill.
- An In-Depth Look at Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024
- Finance Bill, 2024: Key Changes and Implications for Taxpayers
- Finance Bill 2024 Amendments (Full Summarized Statement)
- Why Kenyans Must Reject Finance Bill 2024
This further helped Kenyans understand what’s at stake should this bill be passed without amendments
Occupy Parliament Protest
On June 18th, Nairobi’s CBD witnessed an unprecedented protest.
Unlike traditional demonstrations often led by prominent figures, this protest was leaderless, driven by the collective will of millennials and Gen Z.
The absence of a central figure marked a new era of political activism in Kenya.
During the protest, young demonstrators used smartphones to capture and share moments.
In one viral video, a young woman urged opposition leader Raila Odinga to stay out, emphasizing that the citizens were in control. This highlighted the youth’s desire to reclaim political power.
While police clashes and arrests occurred, the determination of the protesters was evident. Chants continued on the streets and even inside police vehicles and cells.
Government Revises Finance Bill 2024 Proposals
Originally, the Finance Bill aimed to raise Sh302 billion. However, the bill’s amendments now result in a Sh60 billion deficit.
This will likely need to be addressed through budget cuts or other measures.
The protests showcased the power of digital activism and youth engagement. They also suggested a new political dynamic in Kenya. It highlighted the need for the government to listen to all citizens. This includes the younger generation, who are becoming more active in shaping the country’s future.
