The Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) Demands G20 Overhaul as Kenyans Decry Economic Exclusion

By John Toris 

NAIROBI, November 2025 – As global leaders prepare for the G20 Summit 2025 in South Africa, a new campaign from Kenya is demanding a fundamental shift in how the powerful forum operates, arguing that its current policies are exacerbating poverty and inequality in the Global South.

PHOTO: Brenda Osoro, National Coordinator for FIA Kenya, addressing members of the press today in Nairobi

The Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) has issued a statement detailing the direct impact of G20 decisions on ordinary Kenyans, drawing from a series of "People's Assemblies" held across Nairobi, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Kitui. The documents paint a stark picture of a global economic order that sidelines the needs of the majority.

"Despite average GDP growth of 5.6% in 2024, inequality in Kenya is worsening," the backgrounder states, noting that nearly 40% of Kenyans live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 13.4%. The national debt, at KSh 11.81 trillion, is crippling the nation's budget.

"The G20’s influence on global tax cooperation and debt restructuring directly affects Kenya’s fiscal space," the alliance asserts, linking international policies to local hardships. Communities in the People's Assemblies reported that "soaring tax burdens squeeze households and businesses," while "the collapse of industries and job scarcity are tied to global trade priorities that often favor multinational corporations over local economies."

Brenda Osoro, National Coordinator for FIA Kenya, issued a powerful call for change. "Kenya’s experience shows that global rules on debt, tax, and trade must be reformed to deliver justice for the 99%," she said. "The G20 must put people, not profits, at the center of global economic policy."

The statement outlines five key demands for the G20:

1. Debt Justice: Cancellation or restructuring of "illegitimate and unsustainable" debt.

2. Fair Taxation: Ensuring the super-rich and corporations pay their fair share, ending regressive taxes on the poor.

3. Public Services for All: Reversing austerity to invest in health, education, and water.

4. Economic Inclusion: Ensuring the voices of women, youth, and marginalized communities shape G20 policy.

5. Climate Finance: Committing to funds that protect vulnerable countries like Kenya.

The alliance emphasizes that those most affected by these policies are currently shut out of the conversation. "Women, youth, and rural communities are hit hardest by economic decisions made far from their realities," the kit notes.

A declaration accompanying the materials calls for "bold alternatives to the current global economic order." As Kenya participates in the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, FIA Kenya is urging leaders to listen.

"The G20’s decisions have direct repercussions: they shape lending rules, tax policies, and the resources available for health, education, and jobs," the statement read. "Kenya’s future depends on whether the G20 acts for justice, dignity, and equality."

G-20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis of 1997 – 1998 as an informal forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the most important industrialised and developing economies to discuss international economic and financial stability.

The forum initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to inter-alia include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States) and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.