On July 7, 1990, thousands of Kenyans defied a government ban and gathered at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi. Their demand was simple but dangerous: multiparty democracy. The state responded with tear gas, arrests, and violence. But the people’s voice was louder. That day became known as Saba Saba — Seven Seven — and it marked the beginning of Kenya’s Second Liberation.
Fast forward to 2025, and the streets are once again filled with chants. But this time, the cry isn’t just for political freedom — it’s for jobs, dignity, and economic survival.
🔥 From Democracy to Dignity
The original Saba Saba uprising was led by political giants like Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. They risked everything to challenge the one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi. Their courage led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, opening the door to multiparty politics.
But while political space widened, economic opportunity lagged behind. Today, Kenya’s youth — especially Gen Z — are reclaiming Saba Saba to demand more than votes. They want jobs that pay, systems that work, and leaders who listen.
💼 The Job Crisis Behind the Protests
Kenya’s economy is growing, but the benefits aren’t reaching everyone. Over 80% of the workforce is in informal jobs, many of them unstable and underpaid. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, and even those with degrees struggle to find meaningful work.
This year’s Saba Saba protests have been fueled by:
- ✅ Rising taxes on essentials like fuel and mobile money
- ✅ Lack of job creation despite government promises
- ✅ Police brutality during peaceful demonstrations
- ✅ Digital exclusion, especially in rural areas
For many young Kenyans, the system feels rigged. They’re not just marching for jobs — they’re marching for respect.
🧠 Gen Z: Connected, Conscious, and Courageous
What makes the 2025 Saba Saba movement different is the face of the protester. This isn’t just about political parties or civil society groups. It’s about digital natives who are organizing on TikTok, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter). They’re livestreaming protests, sharing infographics, and calling out injustice in real time.
Their demands are clear:
- ✅ Decent work with fair pay and protections
- ✅ Access to digital tools and online jobs
- ✅ Transparency in how public funds are used
- ✅ Safety from police violence and harassment
They’re not waiting for change — they’re demanding it now.
💡 What Can Be Done?
Saba Saba 2025 is a wake-up call for Kenya’s leaders, businesses, and innovators. If we want peace, we must deliver economic justice. Here’s how:
- 1. Invest in youth-led platforms like Balozy that connect skills to income
- 2. Support SMEs and side hustles with training, funding, and visibility
- 3. Expand digital access so rural youth aren’t left behind
- 4. Create safe spaces for dialogue, not just crackdowns
- 5. Recognize informal workers — from mama fua to boda riders — as essential to the economy
🛠️ Platforms Like Balozy Are Part of the Solution
In a country where trust is currency, platforms like Balozy are helping bridge the gap. By verifying service providers, showcasing real reviews, and making it easy to hire local talent, Balozy is turning profiles into digital CVs — and hustles into livelihoods.
Whether it’s a DJ in Kisumu, a fundi in Eldoret, or a makeup artist in Nairobi, Balozy is helping Kenyans get booked, get paid, and get respected.
🗣️ Final Word: Saba Saba Is Still Speaking
Saba Saba is no longer just about ballots — it’s about bread. It’s about jobs with dignity, services with trust, and a future where no one is left behind.
As two protesters put it:
“We’re not burning buildings. We’re building a future — and we want to be heard.”
“We’re not just fighting for democracy. We’re fighting for a life worth living.”
And that, perhaps, is the most powerful legacy of Saba Saba — a reminder that freedom must be claimed, protected, and made real in everyday life.
