Youth-led protests against Kenyan government plans to raise revenue through additional taxes are expected to intensify on Tuesday when lawmakers vote on proposed amendments to the bill. At least one person has been killed and more than 200 injured since protests swept the country earlier this month. The Kenyan government aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing, as the public debt stands at 68% of GDP.
Protesters want the government to abandon the planned tax hikes, arguing they will harm the economy. The proposed measures include new levies on basic commodities, a motor vehicle circulation tax, and an eco levy on manufactured goods. Parliament will vote on the amendments, with President Ruto’s approval required for the bill to become law. The youth-led protests lack clear leadership but show determination to continue until their demands are met.