In 2024, the National Treasury of Kenya proposed additional taxes on everyday items to generate additional income and alleviate Kenya’s high debt burden. Protests against the bill erupted, led by young Kenyans who organized actions over social media. On 25 June, protestors stormed Parliament and clashed with police; many were killed or abducted and hundreds were injured. Though President William Ruto withdrew the bill, protests persist into 2025, fueled by anger over economic hardship, corruption, police brutality, and distrust of the political class. All across Kenya, young people have emerged as a driving force, demanding accountability and systemic reforms.
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2025 Photo Contest - Africa - Stories
Kenya’s Youth Uprising
Photographer
Luis Tato
Agence France-Presse
Jury comment
This project offers strong photojournalistic coverage of a key news event from the year, with each shot and the overall edit effectively capturing the unfolding events while also addressing larger issues of generational divides across Kenya, particularly the disillusionment between older and younger generations. The photographer's ability to capture the story from both sides, while being so close to the friction—moments of explosion when fatalities occurred—adds significant depth. The high-level photography aligns perfectly with what the jury was looking for.