Young Kenyans are still marching in the streets. Many are out of work. But President William Ruto has signed the 2025 Finance Bill into law -a move critics say ignores the real pain many citizens are feeling.
The bill, which outlines a KSh 4.29 trillion spending plan for the new financial year, was passed by Parliament and signed at State House this week. While the government has praised it as a “people-friendly” law, many disagree.
“This is a slap in the face,” said 23-year-old protester Cynthia Njeri, outside Parliament. “We’re jobless, broke, and angry. This bill does nothing for us.”
Tax Pressure Without New Jobs
The government insists there are no new tax hikes. Instead, it plans to raise up to KSh 30 billion through tighter tax enforcement.
That worries small business owners and informal workers, who fear crackdowns.
“They say no new taxes -but we know what enforcement means,” said James Kibet, a boda boda rider in Eldoret. “They’ll hunt us down in the name of compliance.”
While the bill includes tax breaks -for pensions, mortgages, and essential goods – these largely benefit those in formal employment. For most young people in the informal sector, or unemployed entirely, there’s little direct relief.
Budget Grows, But Services Still Weak
President Ruto’s team says the bill will support development and reduce the national deficit. KSh 1.88 trillion has now been cleared for release from public coffers to fund national programmes.
But many Kenyans say past budgets have made similar promises — and little changed.
“Budgets are big every year,” said Mary Atieno, a teacher in Kisumu. “But our hospitals still lack medicine. Our students sit on the floor.”
The Youth Are Speaking – But Is Anyone Listening?
Much of the anger surrounding this bill has come from Kenya’s Gen Z, who have taken to social media and the streets to demand change. From Nairobi to Nakuru, they’ve protested rising costs, unemployment, and what they call political indifference.
Yet despite this show of frustration, few of their concerns appear to have shaped the final version of the bill.
“Young people feel unseen,” said political analyst Kevin Wanyama. “The Finance Bill doesn’t tackle the youth job crisis. It doesn’t respond to their urgency.”
A Safer Bill -But Not a Better One?
The 2025 version is less aggressive than its 2024 predecessor, which sparked deadly protests. The most controversial clause – which would have allowed tax authorities to access people’s mobile money data – was dropped.
But that’s not enough for many.
“They removed one bad clause and kept the rest,” said activist Asha Omar. “This is not what meaningful change looks like.”
What Happens Now?
With the law signed, government spending can now proceed. Some sectors -like agriculture and manufacturing – will see new incentives. The fiscal deficit is projected to drop from 5.1% to 4.5%.
Yet for millions of young Kenyans, that means little if there are no jobs, no affordable food, and no space at the decision-making table.
“This country isn’t broke – it’s broken,” said Kevin Otieno, 24, holding a placard outside Treasury offices. “And this bill won’t fix it.”
