According to Sifuna, the youthful demographic has “struck the fear of God” into government officials, preventing them from introducing new taxes without facing immediate and intense public scrutiny.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Sifuna commended Gen Zs for using social media, peaceful protests, and digital platforms to challenge economic policies they view as oppressive.
“This government has come to understand that this is a different generation – one that is awake, informed, and unafraid,” Sifuna said.
“They cannot afford to introduce punitive taxes in the 2025 Finance Bill without anticipating massive backlash.”
The Finance Bill has traditionally been a source of tension, often triggering national debates over cost-of-living issues and the government’s fiscal policies.
In recent years, young Kenyans have become increasingly vocal, organizing online campaigns and street demonstrations to oppose what they perceive as unjust taxation, particularly targeting youth unemployment, digital taxation, and rising fuel prices.
Sifuna emphasized that the pressure applied by Gen Z is a reflection of a broader generational shift.
“They are no longer waiting for political leaders to speak for them. They are speaking for themselves – loudly and clearly,” he said.
He urged the government to engage constructively with the youth and consider their input in the policymaking process. “Ignoring them is not just politically costly – it’s untenable,” Sifuna added.
With the 2025 Finance Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, all eyes are on the government’s next move — and whether it will heed the warning signaled by Kenya’s vocal and tech-savvy youth.
