Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has started a discussion by connecting protests by Kenya’s Gen Z to issues with family planning. She is asking President William Ruto to do something about the country’s growing population by putting stricter rules in place.
On July 6, 2025, Passaris spoke about the protests led by young people, which included large demonstrations known as Saba Saba 2025.
She called these events a “wake-up call” for the government to deal with overpopulation. Passaris believes that too many people are putting pressure on the economy and causing unrest.
Her statements have received both support and criticism as protests continue against police violence, corruption, and economic problems under Ruto’s leadership.
Initially, the Gen Z protests started because of the Finance Bill 2024, but they have now turned into calls for Ruto to resign, using trending hashtags like #RutoMustGo.
Passaris pointed out that Kenya’s population is expected to reach 70 million by 2030, according to the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD). She says this growing population makes unemployment and poverty worse, pushing young people to protest.
Passaris says Gen Z protests are a wake-up call and blames poor family planning. She wants Ruto to address Kenya’s growing population! pic.twitter.com/CIgxZ2exw4
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 6, 2025
“Poor family planning has created a number of young people we cannot support,” she stated. She is advocating for policies that encourage smaller families and better access to contraceptives.
In 2014, Kenya introduced a population policy, with help from USAID and the Population Reference Bureau, which increased contraceptive use to 46%. However, Passaris believes that stronger actions are needed to control population growth.
Some citizens have criticized Passaris, saying she is avoiding the responsibilities of the government. One person said, “It is ridiculous to blame family planning for protests when the real issues are corruption and high taxes.”
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that there were 16 deaths during protests on June 25, which is increasing calls for accountability while debates about population control continue.
Passaris also proposed a controversial Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to limit protests near government buildings. This has caused more tension, with churches and activists calling for it to be taken back.
As the Saba Saba 2025 events continue, there are reports of the KDF Green Berets being deployed and attacks on groups like the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
Passaris’s focus on family planning as a solution to unrest shows a different approach to Kenya’s economic and political issues, raising concerns about dealing with population control instead of making systemic changes.
