What Kenyan protests tell us about economic management and the politics of reforms in African states

There is an urgent need to modernize economic management in African states. Unfortunately, so far there is little evidence that African governments are interested in structural economic change.

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I: (Young) Africans are rightfully disillusioned with formal/institutionalized politics in the region

In a recent piece over at Good Authority I highlighted two important trends that should inform our understanding of ongoing youth-led protests in Kenya. First, over the last 20 years the share of Kenyans reporting an affiliation with political parties has declined from almost 70% to about half. Second, the reported decline in party affiliation has been faster among young people (35 and under) than older people. The share of non-affiliated young people has increased from just over 30% to over 50%. The decline in party affiliation was also reflected in electoral participation, with the 2022 election witnessing a significant decline in youth registration and voting.

Young Kenyans’ exit from formal politics — borne out of rightful frustratio…