Most Kenyans support Gen-Z movement, Cabinet dissolution - Poll

A report by research firm TIFA found that 81 per cent of respondents support the Gen-Z movement, with support higher among Kenyans aged between 18 and 34 (83 per cent).

Among those over 35, 80 per cent still support the youth movement.

The support was highest in Nairobi, Nyanza and Central Kenya regions, with the movement scoring the lowest support in Rift Valley.

“The support for the Gen-Z movement transcends political affiliations, indicating a broad-based agreement on the importance of the issues raised by them,” says the report released on Thursday.

It showed 79 per cent of the ruling Kenya Kwanza-allied respondents as supporting the youth movement, alongside 91 per cent of Azimio supporters and 78 per cent of those who identified as neither Kenya Kwanza nor Azimio-leaning.

Asked about their involvement in the Gen-Z protests, 69 per cent of the respondents said they did nothing to support the demos, while 16 per cent protested on social media. Meanwhile, 11 per cent took to the streets.

Similarly, TIFA found that 67 per cent of Kenyans support President Ruto’s July 11 decision to dissolve the Cabinet.

“The strong overall support for President Ruto's decision to dissolve the cabinet reflects a widespread desire for governmental change and reform,” the report notes.

It adds that 53 per cent of Kenyans state that none of the Cabinet Secretaries should have been retained, while 40 per cent feel that performing Cabinet Secretaries should be re-appointed.

Researchers interviewed 1,507 respondents between July 16 and 17 through telephonic interviews at the household level.

The youth-led protests initially began last month over the Finance Bill, 2024, which sought to increase taxation.

However, while Ruto has since dropped the contentious draft bill, dissolved his Cabinet and pledged austerity by his government as he works towards an inclusive leadership, a large number of Kenyans still want him “to go”.

On social media and in the streets, protesters have been chanting “Ruto must go”, calling for continued protests until the President yields and resigns.

Over 50 people have been killed in the demonstrations, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.