A Nation on the Brink

By Brian Ochieng Akoko, Reporter | Nakuru City – Kenya.

Kenya is currently grappling with an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests. The primary source being Generation Z. In turn, it has escalated tension across the nation.

These demonstrations have been fueled by deep-seated socio-economic grievances. Governance issues have escalated wide spread disruption and a tragic human cost.

The Unfolding Crisis

On June 25, 2025, nationwide protests across 27 counties led to significant casualties. Reports indicated 19 fatalities and 531 injuries.

This is a stark increase from the June 25, 2024, protests. The records toll was at 60 deaths and 20 missing individuals.

By the end of June 25, 2025, the toll had tragically risen to 15 enforced disappearances and 179 arrests. There were also disturbing reports of sexual violence.

The protests are predominantly led by Gen Z youth. Opposition figures and human rights activists mentioned several grievances.

These issues include; government neglect, burdensome taxes, the rising cost of living, and persistent police brutality.

The unrest, which began escalating in 2024, has seen major anniversaries like June 25th become focal points for renewed action, alongside ongoing sporadic protests.

Geographically, the impact is nationwide, with significant disruptions observed. Major urban centers, including; Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa, and notably, Nakuru have been the major victims.

Initially, these demonstrations were largely peaceful. This has been met with a severe response from security forces. This saga involved tear gas, live fire, and allegations of state-sponsored violence.

Why Gen Z Rises?

The widespread protests are rooted in profound socio-economic and governance issues. This action had driven Kenya’s youth to the streets.

A consistent set of grievances has dominated public anxiety over the past year. In 2024, unemployment was cited as a concern by 89% of Kenyans. It was seconded by corruption at 84% and the cost of living at 82%.

These issues remain paramount in 2025, with unemployment still the most cited concern at 85%. It has been closely followed by the cost of living at 84% and corruption at 82%.

Beyond these, young Kenyans also prioritize health, education, and security as critical problems. These are the major concerns which our government must address.

A significant factor fueling the unrest is the profound sense of disenfranchisement among the youth. Surveys indicate a majority of young people, 55%, perceive their country as moving in the “wrong direction“.

Another toll of 56% describe economic conditions as “fairly bad” or “very bad”. This perception is compounded by a feeling of being unheard and excluded from governance.

A striking 71% of respondents reported that their voice is not being acknowledged by the government. Only 11% do feel like their concerns are being heard. Furthermore, a vast majority, 79%, believe the government is not addressing the needs of the youth.

This translates into a significant lack of trust, as 63% of respondents expressed minimal confidence. This is due to the government’s ability to appropriately respond to protest concerns. A toll of 38% trust the government “very little” and 26% “not at all”.

The economic realities for youth are particularly harsh; 43% of young people are actively seeking employment. A stark contrast to the 23-32% among middle-aged individuals.

It has been noted that up to 800,000 young people entering the job market annually. Currently youth unemployment still remains a critical policy challenge.

Pervasive socio-economic hardship dissatisfaction have led in Kenyans, 43%, to consider emigrating. With 25% having given it “a lot” of thought. Primarily motivated by the search for jobs and an escape from economic hardship.

A City Under Siege

Nakuru, a prominent town in Kenya, has been at the epicenter of the Gen Z protests. Notably, experiencing significant human and economic costs.

Reports indicate that police opened fire on protesters in Molo, within Nakuru County. There were 2 deaths and several injuries, during the June 2025 demonstrations.

This adds to a grim record. Missing Voices documented five police killings in Nakuru County. This was during the 2024 protests alone.

These figures underscore the direct and severe physical dangers faced by residents during these events. The economic impact on Nakuru has been substantial.

A “near-total shutdown of businesses and transport services” in major towns, including Nakuru. Specific comprehensive statistics for Nakuru are not available.

More concretely, traders in Naivasha, also in Nakuru County, reported “losses worth millions of shillings”. Looting and ransacking of businesses by “goons” noticed during the June 2025 protests.

Three major supermarkets—Powerstar, Naivas, and Khetias—were specifically targeted. The report claims that goods worth millions were stolen by „goons“.

The office of a local Member of Parliament was also razed during the 2024 protests. Nationally, 41% of respondents indicated their businesses were disrupted. The major driving force was led by the protests.

Beyond direct losses, broader economic ripple effects are evident. The cancellation of the Lewa Safari Marathon in 2024 due to Gen Z protests. This incident affecting tourism and related sectors.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) highlighted the main cause of supply chains. These act as critical impacts on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Abductions, Killings, and the Fight for Justice

Beyond the visible clashes, a more sinister “shadow war” is being waged against activists and youth in Kenya.

This has been characterized by systematic targeting, abductions, and extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations have documented a chilling reality.

Missing Voices reported a total of 159 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in 2024. With 104 (65%) being police-related killings and 55 (35%) enforced disappearances.

This represents a significant escalation, as 2024 saw a 24% increase in such cases compared to 2023. With enforced disappearances alone surging by an alarming 450% from 10 cases in 2023 to 55 in 2024.

A substantial portion of these extrajudicial killings, 58 cases, occurred during the Gen Z protests between June and August 2024. In June alone accounting for 38 cases.

More recently, CIVICUS reported over 80 young activists abducted by armed plain clothes personnel. At least 82 people reportedly abducted since June 2024, and 20 still missing.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented 63 extrajudicial killings. Also noted was 89 enforced disappearances.

At most 29 individuals still unaccounted for. The June 25, 2025 protests alone saw 15 enforced disappearances.

Political Instability and Social Fracture

Kenya’s political landscape is characterized by persistent instability and significant governance challenges. These have been exacerbated by the recent wave of protests.

Freedom House consistently rates Kenya as “Partly Free“. In turn, highlighting pervasive corruption and brutality.

The political instability is marked by internal rifts and persistent corruption. This is not merely a backdrop to the protests but is actively exacerbated by them.

The government has cited protests as an “attempted coup”. This signals a strategy of criminalizing dissent rather than addressing its root causes.

This approach has been combined with the ineffectiveness of anti-corruption bodies. It suggests a deepening governance deficit. Thus accountability being elusive and political maneuvering takes precedence over public welfare.

The Uncowed Spirit

Despite the severe risks and escalating repression, the Gen Z protest movement in Kenya, demonstrates; remarkable resilience and continued determination.

Protesters have consistently vowed to continue their push for accountability. Noticably in the face of casualties, media blackouts, and intensified police presence.

A key factor in the movement’s persistence is the strategic leveraging of media and digital platforms. A significant 65% of respondents, relied on social media platforms for updates, and developments during the protests.

TikTok (42%), Twitter (38%), and Facebook (33%) played a substantial role in shaping public perception.

Challenges and Hopes

The path to lasting change in Kenya is fraught with challenges, yet glimmers of hope persist. A significant obstacle is the pervasive public skepticism; 57% of respondents believe, “nothing had really changed”. This was between the 2024 and 2025 protests.

Despite these formidable challenges, avenues for hope and reconciliation exist. A segment of the population retains optimism. With 34% of respondents believing the protests could lead to “some minor changes,” and 22% anticipating “significant changes”.

Crucially, six in ten young Kenyans, 61%, believe that things will improve in the coming year. This inherent resilience and optimism among the youth, even amidst profound frustration with the present, represents a powerful, albeit latent, force for positive transformation.

News Bulletin