In a bold statement ahead of the anticipated ‘Nane Nane’ protests on August 8, 2024, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, has likened the ongoing demonstrations to pollution, urging the government to regulate what he describes as “violent protests.”
In a post on X, Sing’oei stated, “Part of the reason to regulate and firmly deal with violent and chaotic protests is that protestors do not internalize the cost of their actions.” He added, “This cost is transferred and borne by someone else—the private sector. Like pollution, violent protests must be regulated before they cause irremediable public cost.”
His comments come as a response to a recent report indicating that Kenya’s private sector has experienced its slowest job growth since January 2024, with escalating unrest contributing to economic uncertainty. The Stanbic Kenya Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) dropped to 43.1 in July, highlighting a contraction in private sector activity.
“Companies scaled back purchasing activity and stocks of inputs in July, but continued to raise employment,” analysts noted, emphasizing the mixed impact on job creation.
Organized by the Gen Z movement under the #NaneNanematch banner, the upcoming protests aim to push for significant reforms. While organizers vow to keep the demonstration peaceful, they caution against any disruptions. This call for regulation signals the government’s recognition of the urgent need to mitigate the economic fallout from ongoing unrest.
