Protests have broken out across parts of Kenya as citizens react to rising fuel prices and mounting cost-of-living pressures, with demonstrations disrupting activity in several cities.
The unrest began on Tuesday, when hundreds of young people took to the streets, temporarily crippling traffic flow in key areas, including the capital, Nairobi. At the Kenya National Archives, protesters initially gathered peacefully singing the national anthem and playing football before police intervened, deploying water cannons and arresting at least 11 demonstrators.
By Wednesday, those arrested had been arraigned in court. No fatalities were reported, marking a calmer episode compared to the deadly 2024 Kenya Finance Bill protests. However, the tension prompted traders in cities like Embu to shut down businesses in anticipation of unrest. The demonstrations were triggered by calls from opposition figures under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, following an April 15 pricing review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The agency raised petrol prices by 16.1 percent and diesel by 24.2 percent, citing a surge in import costs of up to 68.7 percent. Kenya’s reliance on fuel imports from Gulf suppliers has further compounded the situation, with global supply disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz driving prices higher. The government has downplayed the protests, describing them as “mobilisations of gangs” and noting that organisers failed to provide the legally required 14-day notice for demonstrations.
President William Ruto also questioned the effectiveness of the protests.“There are others saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests in the country. I want to ask, if they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease? We must use our brains to find ways to reduce the price of fuel,” he said.
In an attempt to ease public pressure, the government announced an eight percent reduction in value-added tax (VAT), bringing petrol prices down to Sh197.60 per litre (about $1.53). However, the move has done little to calm public frustration, as citizens continue to grapple with the impact of earlier price peaks of Sh206.97 per litre. The situation highlights growing economic strain in Kenya, where inflationary pressures and energy costs are increasingly shaping public sentiment and political tensions.
