Youth-led protests have compelled Kenyan President William Ruto to abandon his proposed tax hikes, showcasing the rising power of young people in Africa, the world’s youngest continent. The events leading up to this decision may mark a milestone moment, not only for Ruto but also for the political influence of Africa’s youth.

Ruto’s tax proposal aimed to stabilize Kenya’s economy and address its significant debt burden, which consumes 61 cents of every tax dollar for loan repayments. Despite defending the necessity of the finance bill in a national address, the intense backlash forced the president to shift gears entirely. Instead of raising revenue through taxes, Ruto now plans to implement public austerity measures, including cuts to spending in his own office to address public anger over corruption and government excess.

Acknowledging the potency of the protests, Ruto promised to engage with and listen to Kenya’s youth directly. This concession came after severe criticism of his security forces’ brutal response to the demonstrations, which resulted in at least 22 deaths, several of which were caused by police gunfire.

In his speech, Ruto admitted that public pressure necessitated further concessions, stating, “I run a government, but I also lead people, and the people have spoken.” However, the withdrawal of the finance bill has not entirely quelled public dissatisfaction, with some groups still calling for protests and demanding Ruto’s resignation.

The president now faces the challenge of rebuilding his administration’s momentum while pursuing an economic policy he appears to have been forced into. His U-turn could influence his standing on the global stage, particularly among diplomatic allies who emphasized the importance of upholding the right to peaceful protest.

The outcome of this confrontation serves as a reminder of the growing political influence of Africa’s youth. With nearly three-quarters of the continent’s population under 35, the events in Kenya could inspire similar movements across Africa, demonstrating that young people can indeed make their voices heard and impact significant policy changes.