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Demonstrations in Nairobi intensified on Tuesday, with groups of young people taking to the streets to protest against high fuel costs and the rising cost of living.
Waving Kenyan flags and singing patriotic songs, the protesters marched through sections of the central business district, marking a contrast to the earlier calm when businesses were open and traffic moved smoothly.
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Security was heightened across the CBD, with a strong police presence as officers patrolled the area carrying batons. Several protesters were arrested and taken away in police vehicles as authorities attempted to break up the gatherings. Water cannons were also positioned on some streets, indicating readiness to handle any escalation.
The protests reflect growing frustration among citizens over the increasing prices of essential goods, particularly fuel. A coalition of Gen Z activists alongside opposition-linked groups had earlier called for nationwide demonstrations on April 21 to demand lower fuel prices and address the broader cost of living concerns.
The unrest follows recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which initially announced sharp increases for the April–May cycle before revising the prices downward after a VAT reduction from 13% to 8%.
In Nairobi, petrol prices dropped to Sh197.60 per litre, while diesel decreased to Sh196.63, with kerosene remaining unchanged at Sh152.78. These revised rates took effect on April 16 and will remain until May 14, 2026.
Earlier increases had pushed fuel prices in the city to record highs, with petrol reaching Sh206.97 and diesel Sh206.84 per litre.
Ahead of the protests, the United States Embassy in Nairobi issued a security advisory urging its citizens to remain cautious. In a notice dated April 20, 2026, the embassy warned that demonstrations could disrupt movement by blocking roads and causing heavy traffic, and noted that some protests in the past have turned violent. It advised people to avoid large crowds, stay updated through local media, and remain alert to their surroundings.
