Ruto Shaken as Young Kenyans Are Using Tech To Amplify #RejectFinanceBill2024 Calls

Kenya is experiencing one of its biggest protests in recent years. Young Kenyans are up in arms protesting increased taxation by the government. The increased taxation is included in the 2024 Finance Bill, as the government aims to raise an additional $2.5 billion (Sh323bn) in taxes in the financial year beginning in July.

Mobilizing Against the Finance Bill

A young generation is now standing up against this taxation and making their voices heard. The protests dubbed “Occupy Parliament” and “Reject Finance Bill” are being coordinated and mobilized on social media. At the same time, they’re making use of other forms of technology to ensure their voices are heard during the protests.

Technological Tools Enhancing the Protests

Zello Channel

A Zello channel has been set up where Kenyans can share their location, photos of protests, and emergency contact information. To use it, simply:

1. Download the Zello app on your phone.
2. Go to the channels tab.
3. Use the QR code provided to join the #RejectFinanceBill2024 channel.

USSD Service

A 665971# USSD service is available that lists and updates meetup points. It also provides updated reading materials to spread awareness and offers direct lines to emergency services.

Vernacular Language Videos

Using social platforms, protesters are breaking down the finance bill in different vernacular languages and sharing the videos via WeeTransfer. The goal is to ensure that concerns raised around the bill reach as many people as possible.

Suppression on Social Media

Despite these efforts, X (formerly Twitter) seems to be suppressing the #RejectFinanceBill2024 hashtag on its platforms, making it more challenging for the movement to gain visibility.

The Finance Bill 2024

The Finance Bill 2024 proposes several punitive tax measures, including:

• 16% VAT on bread.
• Taxes on foreign exchange transactions and financial services.
• A 2.5% Motor Vehicle tax.

The young generation of Kenyans is leveraging technology to organize, communicate, and mobilize against these proposed tax measures, ensuring their voices are heard across the nation.