Fourteen years ago on 27^th August 2010, Kenyans overwhelmingly welcomed the new constitution that promised a great future in terms of rights for the marginalized groups and increasing the share of the national pie. The year 2024 has been a first for the Kenyan democratic space in many ways. To begin with, there have been persistent protests by the youth led generation The Gen Zs against the proposed government’s financial policies. For the first time since Kenya attained self-rule, no president has bowed down to pressure and withdrawn a finance bill.

The Constitution or at least the hope of equalizing the two divides of our society is still a pipe dream. The systems in place to keep public servants accountable are faulty and have done little to realize the full spirit of constitutionalism.

It is correct to say Kenyans are becoming interested in accountability measures especially for public servants. This is especially true for younger Kenyans or Gen Zers as they are popularly referred to. To begin with, Kenyans are proactive in taking part in public participation for the national government and their respective county governments. Public participation is mandatory for projects such as constructing infrastructure or the VAT on fuel for instance.

Kenyan parliamentarians, both in The Senate and The National Assembly are exercising their oversight role cautiously as ordinary Kenyans take notes in readiness for the 2027 elections. A good example is the public JKIA takeover deal that has potential to impact The Kenyan transport economy.

It waits to be seen if The Reject Finance Bill protests was a calm before the storm or an excited crowd of youth that died with the rejection of the bill. The reality could be a politically aware youth that have the potential of swaying the presidential elections.