In June 2024, a powerful wave of youth-led protests swept through Kenya. Frustrated by skyrocketing living costs, unemployment, and a government plagued by corruption and inefficiency, Kenyans took to the streets demanding change.
However, rather than bringing solutions, these kinds of protests risk deepening Kenya’s economic woes, threatening to drive the cost of living even higher, straining an already fragile economy. The government’s harsh crackdown only fueled the unrest, leading to the tragic loss of life and highlighting the urgency of addressing these critical issues.
The government should have responded by initiating institutional reforms and empowering investors with friendly policies, which would in turn lead to job creation. This article not only tackles the impending economic crisis but also the possible solutions to prevent it.
The World Bank forecasts a global economic growth increase of 3.5 per cent in 2024 and 4 per cent from 2025 to 2026 in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Bank, Kenya’s economic growth is projected to rise from 5 per cent in 2024 to 5.3 per cent by 2026.
However, the World Bank warns that these projections may be stifled due to several risks. Among these risks are political instability, which can disrupt economic activities, and the government’s struggle to balance the rate at which it borrows.
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The protests in Kenya have already shaken the country’s political stability. As reported by the Kenya Human Rights Commission, over 29 protesters were killed by police officers during the protest on June 26, 2024. These killings have led to more resentment and rebellion from citizens.
Foreign investors equally fear for their safety. Consequently, the political instability has led to slow local economic activity and also discouraged tourism. President William Ruto signalled that the government might borrow more from international lenders despite Kenya’s massive debt. Other sub-Saharan African countries are not immune to such protests, as evident in Uganda and Nigeria.
Addressing grievances
To curb the rising incidence of protests across Africa, African governments should promptly address grievances raised by young citizens to ensure stability and restore public confidence in government institutions. African governments can restore public confidence by initiating comprehensive institutional reforms.
Reforming the judiciary system is essential to rebuild public trust by systematically identifying and eliminating corruption within its ranks. Rwanda serves as a prime example where investigations and prosecutions are effectively carried out through established institutions like the Office of the Ombudsman, the Rwanda Governance Board, and the National Public Prosecution Authority. Other African countries should borrow a leaf from Rwanda.
Furthermore, empowering law enforcement agencies is crucial. The use of force by the police and disregard for the rule of law is what leads to deaths and, ultimately, political instability. Empowerment should come in the form of adequate training, access to resources, and the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms that promote accountability and transparency.
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Officers with the skills needed to handle situations with restraint and fairness, with emphasis on the importance of human rights and community policing. Norway, for example, has taken extensive steps to ensure that its police force receives regular training by establishing the Norwegian Police University College.
Governments should also deliberately implement policies that directly address the surge of youth unemployment, economic inequality, and high cost of living. One way could be to encourage investment in areas that will boost job creation, such as the creative industries, vocational training, and renewable energy.
African governments should provide a favourable environment for ethical foreign investors by creating policies that allow substantial profit and healthy competition. Such policies could include reduced export levies and flexible labour laws.
While the demonstrations across Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa reflect the frustrations of disenfranchised youth, they also pose significant risks to sub-Saharan Africa’s fragile economic recovery.
To prevent further escalation and foster sustainable development, the government must take decisive actions to implement institutional reforms and encourage ethical foreign investments. By doing so, African governments can address citizen’s immediate grievances and lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.
Oyamo Richard is a writing fellow at African Liberty, a U.S.-based think-tank focused on advancing individual freedom, peace, and prosperity in Africa. He’s available at orichard@studentsforliberty.org or on X as @OyamoPoet. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
