EXPLAINER: 49 Gen Z demands met by the 10-point agenda

Now 2 years down the line, from the Anti-Finance Bill GenZ Demonstrations. Were the 49 Demands or so as we saw then, by the Gen Z being met by the Broad-Based Government under the 10-Point Agenda?

Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, envisages the Right to assembly. During the 2024 #RejectFinanceBill protests in Kenya, Gen Z circulated a memorandum of about 49 demands directed to the government. The demands focused on economic relief, anti-corruption measures, government accountability, job creation and social services reforms.

In a nutshell. The Gen Z demonstrations evolved from rejecting the Finance Bill into a broader push for lower taxes, anti-corruption, reduced government spending, better public services, and youth employment opportunities.

These demands were segmented into 7 thematic areas:

1.     Economic and Tax Reforms.

2.    Government Accountability and Political Reforms.

3.    Governance and Institutional Reforms.

4.    Education Reforms.

5.    Health and Social Programs.

6.    Employment and Youth Opportunities.

7.    Youth and Economic Empowerment.

These demands necessitated the push to have an MOU signed between the Late Rt Hon Raila Odinga as the Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement and the Principal of the Azimio coalition, then and H.E. President William Ruto as the Party Leader of the United Democratic Alliance and the Principal of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

The tenets of the MOU encompassed the 10-Point Agenda, which actually enshrined the demands of not only Gen Z but also the concerns of Kenyans that had arisen before the establishment of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), and the Committee had given its report. The Report, which was submitted in November 2023 and later adopted by Parliament in February 2024, had a raft of recommendations.

The 10-Point Agenda included;

1.     Full Implementation of the NADCO Report.

2.    Inclusivity in all spheres of public life.

3.    Protecting and Strengthening Devolution.

4.    Promoting and strengthening the livelihood of the youth.

5.    Leadership and Integrity.

6.    The right to peaceful assembly as enshrined under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, and compensation for victims of protests and riots.

7.    The national debt.

8.    Fight against corruption.

9.    Stopping wastage of public resources and promoting Government efficiency.

10.  Protecting and promoting the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.

The Broad-based Government has achieved the following for each of the 10 agenda items.

1.    Full Implementation of the NADCO Report.

The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, adopted by Parliament in February 2024, proposed constitutional, legal, policy, and administrative reforms to strengthen electoral justice, constitutional governance, multi-party democracy, the entrenchment of key development funds, and the establishment of key State offices.

Status on Implementation.

Electoral Justice

      I.         Parliament received 9 Bills, of which:

a)    3 Bills have been enacted into law, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023;

b)    2 under mediation, including the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and

c)     4 under consideration by Parliament. These include the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Leader of Opposition Bill, 2023.

    II.         The IEBC (Amendment) Act, 2024, was enacted on 9^th July, 2024, enabling reconstitution of the electoral commission.

  III.         A selection panel completed recruitment of commissioners, and new IEBC commissioners were sworn in on 11^th July, 2025.

  IV.         The Commission has since conducted by-elections and commenced mass voter registration.

    V.         The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024 remain under mediation by Parliament.

  VI.         The IEBC has commenced the process that will lead to the delimitation of electoral boundaries.

Fidelity to Political Parties and Multi-Party Democracy.

Constitutional amendments to strengthen multi-party democracy, fidelity to political parties, and protection against interference with parties and coalitions are under consideration by Parliament.

Entrenchment of Funds into the Constitution

                    I.         The Constitution Amendment Bill on the entrenchment National Government Constituency Development Fund, National Government Affirmative Action Fund, Senate Oversight Fund and County Ward Fund, is under consideration by Parliament.

                  II.         The Court of Appeal has already determined that NG-CDF does not violate the Constitution.

                III.          The County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill, 2024, is under consideration by the Senate.

Establishment and Entrenchment of State Offices.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, contains provisions for the entrenchment of the offices of the Leader of the Official Opposition and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

2.   Inclusivity in all spheres of public life.

Promoting inclusivity ensures that all Kenyans, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic status, can participate in and benefit from national development.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         Launch of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities (2025-2035).

    II.         KSh500 million scholarship programme for children from marginalised communities.

  III.         KSh200 million annually allocated for education infrastructure in marginalised areas.

  IV.         Creation of a Directorate for Minorities and Marginalised Communities in the Executive Office of the President.

    V.         Measures to reduce the cost of living include the fertiliser subsidy, which lowered prices from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500 a bag.

  VI.         Youth empowerment initiatives, including the NYOTA programme and the Hustler Fund, are expanding access to entrepreneurship support, skills development and affordable credit for young people and small businesses.

VII.         Financial support through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund has been enhanced to include asset finance for the youth.

VIII.         Timely payment of social protection stipends alongside government salaries has improved disbursement and circulation of money. Payments have shifted to mobile money platforms to enhance efficiency and reduce fraud, while 550,000 beneficiaries have been integrated into the Social Health Authority (SHA).

  IX.         The Equalisation Fund allocation to support development and service delivery in marginalised areas has increased from KSh5 billion to KSh9.6 billion with a projection of its increase to 15 billion in the FY 2026/2027.

    X.         The rollout of the universal health coverage (UHC) by transitioning to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has increased healthcare insurance cover from 7 million to 29.8 million beneficiaries under SHA to date.

  XI.         107,831 Community Health Promoters deployed nationwide, enhancing access to primary healthcare.

XII.         SHA premiums for 1.5 million indigents under the social protection programme are being paid for by the Government.

XIII.         100,000 teachers recruited since 2022. With 24,000 of them having been hired in January 2026.

XIV.         Teacher-to-student ratio improved from 1:45 to 1:29.

XV.         23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories are under construction.

XVI.         A student-centred university funding model providing up to 95% scholarships and loans for needy students.

XVII.         Streamlined Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by reviewing and transitioning it to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).

XVIII.         University allocation increased from KSh45 billion to KSh82 billion.

XIX.         HELB and scholarship funding increased to KSh41 billion.

XX.         260,000 affordable housing units under construction across the country, with 4,888 completed homes advertised for sale and student hostels with 177,686 bed capacity under construction.

XXI.         450 modern markets are being constructed nationwide.

XXII.         6,000 km of roads under construction nationwide, improving connectivity, and promoting inclusivity by linking underserved regions to economic opportunities and markets.

XXIII.         Expansion of the Last Mile electricity connectivity programme, improving livelihoods in rural communities.

3.   Protecting and Strengthening Devolution.

The Broad-Based Government continues to strengthen devolution through increased county funding, timely disbursement of resources and enhanced financial autonomy.

Status on Implementation.

The equitable share of revenue to counties increased from KSh385 billion in FY 2024/2025 to KSh415 billion in FY 2025/2026, and is projected to rise to KSh450 billion in FY 2026/2027.

County Assemblies granted financial autonomy through the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, assented to on 13^th August, 2025, guaranteeing their financial independence.

The County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill, 2024, is under consideration by the Senate.

4.   Promoting and Protecting the Livelihood of the Youth.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme has created opportunities for over 820,000 young entrepreneurs aged 18-29 years (up to 35 years for persons with disabilities) across all 1,450 wards, with 50:50 gender parity, 5% participation from refugee and host communities, and 5% representation of persons with disabilities.

    II.         NYOTA supports youth through skills development, recognition of prior learning, on-the-job experience, entrepreneurship training, start-up capital and mentorship.

  III.         More than 600,000 youth entrepreneurs are being trained under AGPO to enhance access to government procurement opportunities and financing through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, Hustler Fund and Women Enterprise Fund.

  IV.         The Youth Enterprise Development Fund has been strengthened to include asset financing for young entrepreneurs.

    V.         The Broad-Based Government has established Jitume Digital Labs in TVET institutions across 290 constituencies to support youth participation in the digital economy.

  VI.         Additional employment initiatives have created large-scale opportunities for youth:

1. 640,000 jobs created through the Affordable Housing Programme, with 7,000 professionals onboarded.
2. 142,000 jobs created through the ClimateWorX programme.
3. 547,000 Kenyans secured employment abroad through the Kazi Majuu Labour Mobility Programme over the past three years.

5.   Leadership and Integrity.

The Broad-Based Government continues to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in public service.

Status on Implementation.

The Conflict-of-Interest Act, 2025, assented to on 30th July, 2025, is now operational. The Act strengthens integrity and transparency by regulating and preventing conflicts between public officials’ private interests and their official duties.

6.   The Right to Peaceful Assembly as enshrined under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, and Compensation for victims of protests and riots.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         The Broad-Based Government has allocated KSh2 billion in the first Supplementary Budget of FY 2025/2026 for compensation of victims of protests.

    II.         Identification of victims has been completed by relevant institutions, including IPOA and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

  III.         From 2023 to 2025, IPOA handled 820 cases of alleged police misconduct during public order management, securing convictions in 35 cases involving 49 officers, and recommending disciplinary action against 30 officers.

  IV.         The Demonstration Bill, which proposed restrictions on the right to assembly and protest, was withdrawn.

    V.         The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued policy directives limiting excessive use of force and strengthening training and re-tooling of police officers for lawful crowd management.

7.   The National Debt.

The Broad-Based Government has prioritised responsible debt management, reduced borrowing, and strengthened fiscal sustainability through liability management, alternative financing mechanisms and improved domestic revenue mobilisation.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         The Broad-Based Government has reduced reliance on external borrowing by exploring innovative financing mechanisms for public infrastructure and development projects.

    II.         Successfully undertaken a series of Eurobond buyback transactions in February 2024, February 2025, October 2025 and February 2026, smoothing the repayment profile of sovereign obligations and eliminating near-term default risks.

  III.         Commissioned a comprehensive forensic audit of public debt by the Office of the Auditor General to strengthen transparency, verify the utilisation of borrowed funds since independence, and reinforce public confidence in debt management.

  IV.         The Broad-Based Government has established the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to mobilise blended financing from public and private sources, including capital markets, pension funds and other institutional investors, to reduce reliance on public debt in the execution of major national infrastructure development projects.

    V.         Kenya is leveraging and monetising mature public assets to finance future infrastructure investments.

  VI.         The Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework has been re-designed to attract private investment in major infrastructure projects such as the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway.

VII.         The Central Bank Rate has been reduced to 8.75%, signaling improved macro-economic stability, increased access to affordable credit and strengthened investor confidence.

VIII.         Securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) has enabled payment of pending contractor bills dating back to 2021 and facilitated the revival of stalled road projects.

  IX.         Through a Liability Management Framework, the Broad-Based Government has re-organised the national debt portfolio to reduce refinancing risks and minimise the likelihood of default.

    X.         Kenya has successfully negotiated debt re-arrangements with bilateral lenders, freeing fiscal space for social and development programmes.

  XI.         Moody’s upgraded Kenya’s sovereign credit rating from CAA1 to B3, with a stable outlook on 27^th January, 2026, reflecting improved external liquidity, stronger foreign exchange reserves and successful liability management measures such as Eurobond buybacks.

XII.         Greater emphasis has been placed on mobilising domestic revenue to finance development and reduce dependence on debt.

8.   The Fight against Corruption.

Kenya continues to combat corruption through a constitutional and institutional framework anchored in the Constitution (2010), the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and coordinated action by administration of justice institutions, including the EACC, DCI and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Status on Implementation.

      I.         The Conflict-of-Interest Act, 2025, assented to on 30^th July 2025, is now operational and strengthens transparency by regulating and preventing conflicts between public officials’ private interests and their official duties.

    II.         Adoption of an e-Government procurement system has digitised the entire procurement cycle from planning to payment, enhancing transparency, reducing operational costs, increasing supplier participation and strengthening audit trails that deter corruption.

  III.         Over 23,000 government services digitised on the e-Citizen platform (up from 353 in 2022), eliminating cash payments and middlemen, reducing corruption risks, and increasing revenue collection.

  IV.         The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, assented to on 17^th June, 2025, strengthens the legal framework for combating illicit financial flows and supports Kenya’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

    V.         The Broad-Based Government continues to prioritise asset recovery and successful prosecution of corruption cases, strengthening accountability across public institutions.

  VI.         From the 2023/24 financial year to the second quarter of the current financial year, the EACC has filed 143 asset recovery cases valued at KSh22.9 billion, disrupted corruption schemes worth KSh27.4 billion, recovered assets valued at KSh9.8 billion, completed 627 investigations, and secured 86 convictions.

VII.         Implementation of Zero-Based Budgeting has enhanced fiscal discipline and accountability by requiring justification of all public expenditures.

VIII.         The Single Treasury Account system has consolidated government cash management, improved transparency, reduced transaction costs and minimised idle public funds in commercial banks.

9.   Stopping wastage of public resources and promoting Government efficiency.

The Government has implemented austerity measures, strengthened financial management systems and digitised public services to reduce wastage, improve efficiency and enhance transparency in public expenditure.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         Austerity measures were introduced, including the removal of budgets for the offices of the First Lady, the Spouse of the Deputy President and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

    II.         Non-essential foreign travels suspended.

  III.         A 12-month freeze on the purchase of new government vehicles, except for security services.

  IV.         The Government-Owned Enterprises Act, 2025, assented to on 21^st November, 2025, will strengthen professional management of State assets, eliminate non-performing corporations and improve efficiency.

    V.         Over 23,000 government services digitised on the e-Citizen platform, improving transparency and access to services and revenue collection.

  VI.         Implementation of a Single Treasury Account has consolidated government funds, improved oversight and minimised idle balances in commercial banks.

VII.         Zero-Based Budgeting was adopted from FY 2025/26, requiring all public expenditures to be justified annually.

VIII.         Passports and National Identification cards processing time has been reduced from one month to one week, improving service delivery and eliminating brokerage and corruption.

10. Protecting and Promoting the Sovereignty of the People, the Rule of Law, and Constitutionalism.

The Broad-Based Government continues to strengthen the justice system and uphold constitutionalism by improving access to justice, expanding judicial capacity and promoting transparency in court processes.

Status on Implementation.

      I.         The Judiciary has recruited additional judicial officers, including 11 Court of Appeal judges, 20 High Court judges and additional magistrates, to improve case handling capacity and reduce backlogs.

    II.         Judicial mobility strengthened through procurement of vehicles for judicial officers.

  III.         Supported the Judiciary to establish new appellate court benches in Nakuru, Mombasa and Eldoret to reduce case backlogs and bring justice closer to the people.

  IV.         Provided funding to the Judiciary for the operationalisation of mobile courts in remote and under-served areas to bring justice closer to the people.

    V.         Nationwide e-filing system has been implemented, enabling paperless court processes, remote case filing and virtual hearings.

  VI.         The Judiciary has achieved near compliance with the two-thirds gender rule, with 332 women judges and magistrates representing 47% of the bench.

VII.         Adherence to court orders and decisions of the courts.

CONCLUSION.

It is evident, as the sky is blue, that out of the 49 demands of the Gen Z demonstration. Quite a sizable number of their demands were met with the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. Similarly, H.E. President William Ruto reconstituted his cabinet, including firing part of his cabinet and reorganising the state departments.

Additionally, through the broad-based arrangement, the President in adhering to service delivery of Kenyans, the full implementation of the 10-Point agenda and the BETA Plan as was in the manifesto, has met the remaining 30 demands totalling to 45 of the 49 total demands of the GenZ having been met by the broad-based government.

It is time for the youth and the Gen Z to fully support and come out in big numbers to rally behind H.E. President William Ruto and the broad-based government come 2027 for the remaining 4 or 5 demands to be fully met in the 5 year remaining term and much more progress on the promotion and protection of the livelihood for the youth to be fully enhanced and realized

 Kevin Kiarie is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a governance expert. He is also a member of the Committee to Oversee the Implementation of the Ten Point Agenda and the National Dialogue Committee Report