Kenya: Thousands Of Young People To Protest Fuel Hikes In Nairobi

Kenyans are set to take to the streets of Nairobi today, Tuesday, to protest recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.

Thousands of young people are expected to join the demonstrations under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has cautioned organisers that the protests could impose significant economic costs on the country.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Mwaura urged organisers to reconsider the planned protests and instead engage the government through structured dialogue to address their concerns.

“We want to strongly urge against the protests set for tomorrow. During the 2024 protests, we lost over KSh 6 billion, according to statistics from the Kenya Revenue Authority. Will it benefit Kenyans? Will it even lower the price of fuel?” he posed.

He noted that while the government respects the right to peaceful assembly, large-scale protests often disrupt economic activity, strain public resources, and may lead to avoidable losses for businesses and citizens.

“Such actions come with a cost to the economy and affect livelihoods. We encourage those behind the planned demonstrations to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said.

The protests, largely mobilised through social media under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, are expected to draw participation from young Kenyans expressing dissatisfaction with rising fuel prices and the broader cost of living.

Leaders have, in recent weeks, reiterated calls for calm, emphasising that the government is working on measures to stabilise fuel prices and cushion citizens from global market shocks.

Former Deputy Leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for Gen Z’s planned demonstrations over rising fuel costs, while signalling that the formal opposition will not directly participate.

Speaking on Monday, Gachagua said Gen Z has the right to independently organise and express their dissatisfaction, describing their civic engagement as legitimate and necessary in a democratic society.