Kenya’s President, William Samoei Ruto, responded to the intense protests by citizens, particularly the youth, by promising to implement their suggestions. The demonstrations, driven by the younger generation, arose in opposition to the 2024 Finance Bill, culminating in the occupation of the Kenyan Parliament. The protests led to numerous deaths and arrests, sparking global condemnation, including from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Bowing to the pressure, Ruto canceled the contentious Finance Bill.
In an effort to address the protesters’ concerns, President Ruto hosted a three-hour online forum on July 4, titled “Let’s Engage.” During this session, he acknowledged the valuable insights shared by the youth and committed to acting on their suggestions. Ruto emphasized his dedication to resolving the issues highlighted during the discussion, aiming to forge a more inclusive and sustainable path for all Kenyans.
Prior to these developments, Ruto had outlined his administration’s initiatives to create job and income opportunities for young people, including affordable housing, digital jobs, and industrialization projects. He reiterated his commitment to youth engagement, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle national economic challenges and ensure progress for Kenya.