Kenya’s Gen Z protests: What are they about?

What in the World

Young Kenyans are leading demonstrations against a controversial finance bill, organising via TikTok and X. They are unhappy about proposals to raise taxes on sanitary pads and mobile money transfers, amongst other things. A protestor shares her motivation for taking to the streets.

We hear from Anita Nkonge a BBC reporter in Nairobi, who tells us what the protests are about. And BBC business reporter Jewel Kiriungi explains why President William Ruto wants to raise taxes. She also describes how tax rises a year ago have affected how people feel now.

The government has often defended the tax measures as necessary to reduce the country’s national debt of nearly $80bn.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Josh Jenkins, Julia Ross-Roy and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde