Urban centres: Expect heightened security, avoid protests on 21 April linked to fuel price hike
Level: Notice
Location: Kenya
Category: Protest/Rally, Road disruption
Event Date: 21 Apr 2026
Expect heightened security and avoid protests on 21 April linked to a fuel price hike announced on 14 April. Civil society groups have organised a nationwide ‘shutdown’ to denounce the price increase. This follows calls from several prominent opposition politicians for related demonstrations. Heightened security measures are likely to be deployed across major urban centres, particularly the capital Nairobi, ahead of anticipated protests. The security forces are liable to forcibly disperse gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Advice
- Minimise non-essential movement near protest flashpoints. This includes central business districts, government offices, public transport hubs and industrial areas.
- Liaise with local contacts for information on any planned or spontaneous protests in your area. Avoid all such events as a precaution.
- If travel near a protest is unavoidable, reconfirm the status of routes before setting out and allow additional time for travel. Leave an area at the first sign of unrest.
- Expect a heightened security force presence around protests and follow all official directives.
- Monitor our Kenya alerts for updates.
More detail
Impact
Local sources suggest demonstrators may gather at fuel stations across the country on 21 April. Potential flashpoints for associated protests in Nairobi include City Hall, the Parliament and the State House. Demonstrators are also likely to block roads with burning tyres and debris, potentially including along Haile Selassie and Kenyatta avenues the capital’s Central Business District.
The Nairobi police chief has stated that any protests that take place in the capital on 21 April will be deemed unlawful. As such, the security forces are liable to employ heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas, water cannon and possibly live ammunition, to disperse demonstrators.
Outlook
The continued rise in fuel prices has sparked public anger, largely due to the knock-on effects on transportation costs and other essential services. Following the price hike, matatu (shared minibus) operators announced a 25% fare increase. This has exacerbated public discontent with rising fuel prices and heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming protests.
Alongside the fuel price increase, the government has announced tax cuts on petroleum products. However, the conciliatory measure has done little to quell public frustration. As such, protests are likely over the coming weeks if fuel prices do not drop. The government is due to review petroleum costs on 14 May. If prices are raised again, or sufficient forms of financial relief are not introduced, this would likely prompt further calls for protests.
Context
On 14 April, petrol and diesel prices were raised to 206.97 ($1.60) and 206.84 ($1.60) shillings per litre, respectively. The national energy authority attributed the price hike to international developments, most notably the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East (see related alerts).
In June-August 2024, 50 people were killed and more than 230 others injured during nationwide protests against proposed financial legislation. Among the measures to be introduced by the bill was a fuel price increase. During the protests, the security forces used forcible measures, including live ammunition, to disperse demonstrators.