Protests in Kenya and Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis

Kenya and Nigeria have witnessed significant protests in recent years that have garnered international attention. Kenyan protests erupted over economic hardships and political grievances, while in Nigeria, the #EndSARS movement highlighted issues of police brutality and governance. The protests in Kenya, notably the 2023 demonstrations, were primarily driven by economic challenges and political dissatisfaction. High inflation rates, unemployment, and the government’s failure to address these issues fuelled public outrage. More recently, there have been widespread violent protests in Kenya. These have been instigated by attempts by the government to pass a new finance bill that would entail tax increases on some essential items. This illustrates vividly the delicate relationship between democratic governance, economic crisis, perceived corruption, deepening poverty, and political stability in several African countries. 

In Nigeria, the #EndSARS protests of 2020 were sparked by years of frustration with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit notorious for human rights abuses. The movement quickly evolved to address broader governance, corruption, and economic mismanagement issues. The protests, largely driven by the youth, culminated in the tragic Lekki Toll Gate incident, where security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters. Both Kenya and Nigeria face significant economic challenges that have contributed to civil unrest. In Kenya, inflation rates soared to over 9% in 2023, with food prices increasing by 15% year-on-year, putting immense pressure on household budgets. Similarly, Nigeria’s economy has been plagued by inflation, unemployment, and a dependence on oil exports, which make it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Economic hardship in both countries has been a major catalyst for protests, as citizens demand better living conditions and job opportunities.

The political environments in Kenya and Nigeria are marked by corruption, ineffective governance, and public distrust. In Kenya, allegations of electoral fraud and corruption have been persistent issues. The government’s inability to address these grievances has fuelled public anger. In Nigeria, the political landscape is similarly fraught with corruption scandals and a lack of transparency. The #EndSARS movement highlighted not just police brutality but also the broader failures of the Nigerian government to provide security and justice for its citizens. Social media has played a crucial role in mobilising and spreading protests in both countries. In Kenya, platforms like Twitter and Facebook were instrumental in organising protests and sharing real-time updates. Hashtags such as #KenyaProtests and #ChangeKe became rallying points for demonstrators. Similarly, in Nigeria, the #EndSARS movement was significantly amplified by social media, with millions of tweets and posts bringing global attention to the issue. Social media also helped in documenting police brutality and coordinating support from the diaspora.

The governments of Kenya and Nigeria have responded differently to protests. In Kenya, the government has employed a combination of negotiation and force. While there have been instances of police brutality, the government has also attempted to address some of the protesters’ demands through dialogue and policy adjustments. In contrast, the Nigerian government’s response to the #EndSARS protests was marked by a heavy-handed approach. The use of military force at the Lekki Toll Gate and subsequent denials of responsibility drew widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. The level of public engagement in protests varies between the two countries. In Kenya, protests have seen diverse participation from various segments of society, including students, workers, and political activists. However, the June 2024 protests have been largely youth-driven. In Nigeria, the #EndSARS movement was predominantly youth-driven, reflecting the frustration of the younger generation with systemic issues and their desire for change.

One notable incident during the Kenyan protests was the demonstration on Nairobi’s streets in July 2023, where thousands gathered to protest against rising living costs and political corruption. The protests saw a mix of peaceful demonstrations and clashes with police, highlighting the tensions between citizens and the state. This is similar to the June 2024 protests in Kenya, where there has also been vandalism to government assets. The #EndSARS protests in Lagos in October 2020 serve as a key case study. What began as a peaceful demonstration against police brutality escalated into a national movement. The Lekki Toll Gate incident, where security forces reportedly fired on unarmed protesters, became a symbol of the Nigerian government’s oppressive tactics and sparked international outrage. The protests in both Kenya and Nigeria have had significant impacts. In Kenya, the government has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue and address some economic issues. In Nigeria, the #EndSARS protests led to the disbandment of SARS and initiated a broader conversation on police reform and governance. Successful strategies used by protesters in both countries include the effective use of social media, international advocacy, and grassroots mobilisation. Kenyan protesters can learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven, tech-savvy approach, while Nigerian activists can benefit from Kenya’s diverse coalition-building.

Looking forward, both Kenya and Nigeria face the challenge of addressing the underlying issues that drive protests. For Kenya, this means tackling economic reforms and ensuring transparent governance. For Nigeria, comprehensive police reform and addressing broader governance issues are critical. By learning from each other’s experiences, both countries can develop more effective strategies to address these issues and improve the lives of their citizens. The role of social media, public engagement, and government responses will continue to shape the future of protests in these nations and beyond.