Nationwide Unrest in Kenya as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Cost-of-Living Crisis

Nationwide Unrest in Kenya as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Cost-of-Living Crisis

Kenya is facing a fresh wave of unrest as fuel protests spread across major cities over surging petrol prices, rising diesel costs, and an escalating cost-of-living crisis that has triggered widespread public anger.

The demonstrations began on Tuesday, with hundreds of mostly young protesters taking to the streets in different parts of the country, disrupting traffic and temporarily paralysing business activities in some urban centres.

In Nairobi, protesters gathered around the Kenya National Archives in the central business district, where the early stages of the protest were largely peaceful. Demonstrators sang the national anthem, played games, and chanted slogans before security forces intervened. Police were later deployed to disperse the crowd, reportedly using water cannons. At least 11 protesters were arrested in the CBD and subsequently charged in court the following day.

While the latest protests have not recorded fatalities—unlike the deadly unrest during the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations—tension remains high across several regions, with fears of further escalation. In towns such as Embu and surrounding areas, traders shut down businesses early, anticipating possible violence and disruptions linked to the ongoing protests.

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The unrest was triggered by a major fuel price adjustment announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which significantly increased pump prices across the country. Under the revised pricing structure, petrol prices rose by 16.1%, while diesel increased by 24.2%, further worsening transportation costs and pushing up the prices of goods and services.

EPRA attributed the hike to rising global crude oil prices and increased import costs, which officials say have surged by nearly 68.7% due to global market instability and supply chain disruptions. Kenya’s reliance on imported fuel—especially from Gulf countries—has made the economy vulnerable to international shocks, including disruptions linked to strategic global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping corridor.

The protests gained momentum following online campaigns led by activists and opposition voices using the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, which rapidly spread across social media and helped mobilise demonstrators nationwide. Security agencies have since increased surveillance in major cities amid concerns that the protests could expand further in the coming days.

The Kenyan government has condemned the demonstrations, describing them as unlawful and accusing organisers of failing to comply with the mandatory 14-day notice requirement for public protests. Officials also alleged that some of the mobilisation efforts amounted to unlawful assembly, though protest organisers insist the movement is a legitimate response to economic hardship.

President William Ruto defended the government’s position, arguing that global fuel price increases cannot be reversed through street protests. “There are others saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests in the country. If they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease?” he said.

In an attempt to ease public pressure, the government introduced an eight percent VAT reduction on fuel, which lowered petrol prices to about Sh197.60 per litre. However, many citizens say the reduction is insufficient, especially after prices recently peaked at Sh206.97 per litre.

Despite the intervention, frustration remains high as households continue to face rising transport fares, food inflation, and stagnant incomes. Analysts say the protests reflect deeper economic distress and growing dissatisfaction with rising living costs, warning that without sustained reforms, public unrest could persist as citizens demand more effective relief measures. Security agencies remain on alert as further demonstrations are expected across multiple cities.

Nationwide Unrest in Kenya as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Cost-of-Living Crisis