Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during a press briefing held on July 18, 2024 at Kenyatta International Confrence Centre.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that Kenya has suffered a significant economic loss of Ksh 6 billion due to ongoing protests. Highlighting the detrimental effects on the nation’s economy and employment, Mwaura emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
“According to the Kenya Revenue Authority, the country has lost Ksh 6 billion because of the demos,” Mwaura stated. “If we continue like this, we are going to destroy people’s businesses and there will be no employment for our people.”
The protests, spanning several weeks, have seen participation from various groups voicing their discontent over a range of issues. While many protesters have demonstrated peacefully, Mwaura pointed out that some individuals have exploited the situation to engage in criminal activities.
“Some demonstrators have been peaceful, but there are criminals who have taken advantage of it,” he said. This distinction is crucial as the government seeks to address the legitimate concerns of peaceful demonstrators while maintaining law and order.
In response to the unrest, the government has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. Mwaura called for discussions to begin at the grassroots level, urging families to communicate and prevent further unrest. He specifically appealed to parents to dissuade their Gen Z children from participating in more demonstrations.
“We have agreed to have a dialogue. I urge that these dialogues should begin from our homes. Parents should speak to their children so that we do not destroy our country,” he implored.
President William Ruto has acknowledged the grievances of the protesters and has taken steps to address their concerns. Mwaura assured the public that the president is attentive to the issues raised and is working towards finding solutions.
“The president has listened to your cries and has made efforts to address the needs,” he affirmed.
As the country grapples with the economic fallout from the demonstrations, the government remains committed to fostering a peaceful resolution. Mwaura detailed the financial impact of the protests, noting that business closures and property destruction have contributed to the substantial economic loss.
“We cannot forget the business people who suffered losses worth billions of shillings as their businesses remained closed. We wish to empathize with them as they strive to recoup their lost incomes,” Mwaura said. “Overall, the country has lost approximately Ksh 6 billion as a result of demonstrations, according to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).”
He further warned that continued protests could have a prolonged negative impact on the economy, exacerbating the financial strain already felt by the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.
“Fears abound that if the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact in this financial year as well and we have a huge tax hole as a result of the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 amounting to Ksh 346 billion,” Mwaura explained.
Mwaura appealed to the youth to halt the demonstrations and give room for dialogue with the government. He added that President William Ruto had shown good faith by ceding to several demands from the Gen Zs, including firing his cabinet, dissolving 47 state corporations, halting the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries, and rejecting the Finance Bill 2024.
As the nation navigates these turbulent times, the government calls for unity and constructive dialogue to restore peace and economic stability.
