Kenya Gears Up for ‘Nane Nane’ Protests as Foreign Affairs PS Calls Gen Z Actions ‘Pollution’, Pushes for Regulation
With the highly anticipated ‘Nane Nane’ protests scheduled for August 8, 2024, Kenya is preparing for a significant confrontation between protesters and the government.
These upcoming protests, expected to be the largest yet, arise amid growing concerns over the economic impacts of the ongoing unrest.
On Tuesday, August 6, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, advocated for stringent regulation of what he terms violent protests, likening them to pollution.
Sing’oei, in a statement on X, referred to the protests that began in June as a form of societal pollution. He contended that the disruptions caused by such unrest adversely affect the private sector, which has been struggling with ongoing interruptions.
“Part of the reason to regulate and address violent and chaotic protests firmly is that protesters do not bear the cost of their actions,” Sing’oei remarked.
“This cost is shifted to others—the private sector. Like pollution, violent protests must be controlled before they lead to irreparable public costs.”
Sing’oei’s appeal for regulation follows a report revealing that Kenya’s private sector saw its slowest job growth since January 2024.
This downturn reflects a broader trend of economic instability worsened by continuous political turmoil. According to the Stanbic Kenya and S&P Global monthly survey, businesses are reluctant to invest, and consumer spending has decreased, reflecting the prevailing market caution.
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The economic repercussions of the protests are evident. The Stanbic Kenya Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 43.1 in July from 47.2 in June. This decline, marking the second consecutive month of reduced private sector activity, underscores the significant disruptions caused by the protests.
New orders and output have hit their lowest points since April 2021, illustrating the direct impact of the unrest on economic activity.
Analysts at Stanbic Bank and S&P Global noted, “Companies reduced purchasing activity and input stocks in July, but continued to increase employment.” Despite job creation continuing, the rate was only marginal and the slowest in seven months of rising staffing levels.
The report indicated that the protests have impacted various industries, including agriculture, construction, wholesale and retail, services, and mining. However, the manufacturing sector experienced some growth, offering a rare glimpse of optimism in a challenging economic environment.
The forthcoming protests, organized by the Gen Z movement under #NaneNanematch, are set to advance the call for significant reforms.
While the organizers have pledged a peaceful demonstration, they have warned against any efforts to disrupt the protest with violence.
The ongoing unrest has already led to notable changes, such as the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, political reorganization, and a cabinet reshuffle.
Dr. Sing’oei’s call for regulation reflects growing frustration with the current situation and signals the government’s intention to address the economic consequences of continued protests.
Kenya Gears Up for ‘Nane Nane’ Protests as Foreign Affairs PS Calls Gen Z Actions ‘Pollution’, Pushes for Regulation
