Kenyan Youth Protests Raise Concerns in Tanzania

The Mayor of Tanga, Tanzania, Abdurahman Shiloow, has urged Kenyan youth to avoid engaging in activities that could harm their nation. He emphasized the importance of youth remaining vigilant and not allowing themselves to be manipulated by individuals with harmful intentions toward Kenya.

Mayor Shiloow pointed out that Kenya’s strategic position in the East African region means that any negative developments within the country will also affect neighboring nations. His comments were likely directed at the protests held by Generation Z youth in Kenya during June and July, which led to the withdrawal of the contentious 2024 Finance Bill that proposed new taxes.

“I am a politician, and as your neighbor, I can tell you that if anything goes wrong in this country, we will also feel the impact here in Tanga. When things are good, we feel it too,” stated Shiloow during the second day of the fifth edition of the Innovation Week in Mombasa.

He stressed the importance of conducting all actions peacefully and avoiding division. “You, the youth, are the strength and resource of Mombasa County and Kenya, but you must be utilized properly. Do not allow yourselves to be used for bad purposes,” he urged.

“There is no other country or county, so think about your success and work to ensure that Mombasa and Kenya shine because of your efforts. I have spoken in the language of wise people, but where we come from, when we speak about matters concerning many people, we communicate in Swahili. When we welcome you to our area, we will also present everything in Swahili,” he added.

Speakers at the event called on the youth from the coastal region to embrace innovation as a means to tackle unemployment and seek solutions to pressing community issues. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized the need to empower youth to use their talents and creativity to create opportunities for themselves.

“I understand the importance of such events. When there is a demand for something, people are sought to address it. Therefore, if youth utilize innovation and creativity, jobs requiring those skills will be available. We have already collaborated with young people to move our services online,” stated Governor Nassir.

Table: Key Points from the Event