NAIROBI, Kenya - President William Ruto has declared that his government has successfully regained the support of Kenyan youth, a demographic that spearheaded the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests in mid-2024. The statement, made during a recent public address, marks a confident assertion from the administration as it navigates the complex political landscape shaped by the Gen Z-led uprising.

This declaration arrives nearly a year and a half after the nation was gripped by widespread demonstrations against proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024. The protests, which began in June 2024, were largely organized by young Kenyans on social media platforms and were characterized by their leaderless and non-tribal nature, a significant shift in Kenya's political mobilization.

The demonstrations escalated dramatically on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, when protesters breached parliamentary security, leading to violent confrontations with police. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 39 people were killed nationwide in the protests between June 18 and July 1, 2024, with hundreds more injured. The public outcry and intense pressure ultimately forced President Ruto to withdraw the controversial bill on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, stating that "the people have spoken."

A Strategy of Engagement and Economics

In the months following the protests, the Ruto administration has initiated several measures seemingly aimed at addressing the grievances of the youth. The government has emphasized dialogue and launched economic programs targeting unemployment, a key driver of the discontent.

One of the flagship initiatives is the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, a collaboration with the World Bank. Announced in 2025, the program aims to empower over 800,000 youth with skills training, business grants, and seed capital of up to KSh 50,000. Additionally, the government has proposed the Youth (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to establish a new, more comprehensive youth fund to replace previous initiatives and streamline support for young entrepreneurs.

President Ruto has also undertaken public engagement tours, urging youth to cease street protests and engage with government programs like the Affordable Housing and the Climate Worx initiatives, which he claims have already created thousands of jobs.

Skepticism and Political Mobilization

Despite the administration's overtures, President Ruto's claim of having won back Gen Z is met with considerable skepticism. Many young activists and political analysts point to a persistent trust deficit and unresolved demands for accountability for the violence witnessed in 2024. Demands from youth groups following the protests included not only economic relief but also systemic reforms, such as an audit of the national debt and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Recent opinion polls suggest the administration faces significant headwinds. A TIFA Research poll from September 2025 indicated that 56% of Kenyans opposed the President's Broad-Based Government initiative, with opposition being particularly high among those aged 18-35. The same poll highlighted that over two-thirds of Kenyans felt the country's economic direction was poor, with the cost of living remaining the primary concern.

The Gen Z movement, forged in the 2024 protests, has transitioned from street demonstrations to a concerted political mobilization effort. Activists are actively encouraging mass voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election, aiming to translate their demographic strength into electoral influence. With an estimated 14 million Gen Z members eligible to vote in 2027, this bloc has the potential to fundamentally disrupt traditional, ethnic-based voting patterns that have long defined Kenyan politics.

The Road to 2027

The divergence between the President's confidence and the sentiment on the ground underscores the challenge his administration faces. While the government rolls out economic programs, many young Kenyans remain focused on issues of governance, justice for protest victims, and the high cost of living.

The coming months will be a crucial test. The government's ability to demonstrate tangible economic improvements and genuinely address the deep-seated concerns of the youth will determine whether President Ruto's claim is a political reality or wishful thinking. For Kenya's politically awakened Gen Z, the ultimate verdict will likely be delivered not in speeches, but at the ballot box in 2027.