This report focuses on the human rights violations that occurred during the economically-induced protests in Kenya between 2023 and 2025, a period marked by rising public debt, increased inequality and poverty, increased impact of regressive taxation, perceived corruption, higher costs of living and widespread public dissatisfaction.
Thousands of mostly young people took to the streets and digital platforms to demand accountability, inclusion in fiscal matters and economic justice. However, instead of addressing the root causes of the protests, the Kenyan government increasingly repressed dissent through authoritarian practices such as arbitrary arrests and detention, unlawful surveillance and restriction of civic space.
The report seeks to debunk and weaken the authoritarian narratives used to justify repression against protesters, activists and the media and makes a number of recommendations.
To the Kenyan government, it recommends: cessation of all forms of repression of protesters, investigation and prosecution of security agents involved in violation of the rights of protesters, review and, where appropriate, termination of all cases of malicious prosecution of protesters, increased budgeting for social protection, human rights assessment of fiscal policies, meaningful action against corruption and ensuring that debt repayment obligations do not crowd out funds for human rights financing.
Read “Human Rights Under Siege: Authoritarian Practices and Economic Pressure Amid Youth-Led Protests in Kenya.”