10/09/2025
The youth-led protests in Nepal and Kenya share common themes of :
1. Discontent with government policies.
2. Corruption, and
3. Economic hardship.
However, there are significant differences in the nature, scale, and outcomes of these movements, influenced by each country's political context, media environment, and civil society dynamics.
A . 👉 🇳🇵 Nepal Gen Zs Protests: A Sudden Uprising with Political Overhaul
In September 2025, Nepal experienced a rapid and intense youth-led uprising, primarily driven by Gen Zs.
The immediate trigger was the government's abrupt ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter), which many perceived as an authoritarian attempt to suppress dissent.
This move, coupled with widespread corruption and economic inequality, led to mass protests in Kathmandu and other cities.
The demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries.
Protesters stormed government buildings, set fires, and clashed with security forces. The unrest culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, marking a significant political shift.
The protests were characterized by their spontaneity and the rapid mobilization of youth activists, many of whom utilized alternative communication platforms to organize and spread their message .
B. 🇰🇪 Kenya Gen Zs Protests: A Prolonged Struggle with Institutional Resistance
Kenya's youth-led protests, notably the 2024 Finance Bill protests and the 2025 demonstrations following the death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody, were part of a broader, ongoing struggle against government policies perceived as unjust and oppressive.
The 2024 protests, sparked by proposed tax increases, led to the storming of Parliament and significant public unrest.
Although the government eventually scrapped parts of the bill and President William Ruto declined to sign it into law, the underlying issues of corruption and economic hardship persisted .
The 2025 protests were reignited by the death of Ojwang, highlighting issues of police brutality and further eroding public trust in the government.
These protests were marked by sustained activism, with youth groups employing various tactics, including online mobilization and public demonstrations, to demand accountability and reform .
👉 Key Differences 👇
1️⃣ Trigger Events: Nepal's protests were ignited by a sudden and sweeping government action (the social media ban), while Kenya's protests were the result of ongoing grievances related to economic policies and state violence.
2️⃣ Government Response: Nepal's government faced immediate political consequences, with the prime minister's resignation, whereas Kenya's leadership has shown resilience, with the government maintaining its position despite public pressure.
3️⃣ Media and Communication: Nepal's youth leveraged alternative digital platforms to organize protests, circumventing government-imposed restrictions.
In contrast, Kenyan youth utilized both traditional and digital media to mobilize and spread their message.
4️⃣ Civil Society Dynamics: Nepal's protests led to a significant political change, with youth activists emerging as key political figures.
In Kenya, while youth activism has been influential, institutional resistance and political fragmentation have complicated efforts for systemic change.
Conclusion
While both Nepal and Kenya have witnessed powerful youth-led movements challenging government policies and corruption, the outcomes and dynamics of these protests have been shaped by each country's unique political landscape, media environment, and civil society structures.
Nepal's recent protests resulted in a swift political transformation, whereas Kenya's ongoing struggles reflect a more complex and protracted battle for reform.
