Happening Now: Transport Paralysed, Shops Closed, Tension High as Protests Erupt in Nairobi CBD

Tension has been reported in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) as demonstrators take to the streets to protest rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.

On Monday, October 26, 2026, groups of protesters gathered along several streets in the city centre, including Moi Avenue and Kimathi Street, as they prepared to demonstrate against the rising cost of fuel.

The protests come after the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which pushed petrol prices in Nairobi to KSh226.96 per litre, diesel to KSh227.76 and kerosene to KSh219.87.

The new prices have raised concerns among motorists, public transport operators and ordinary Kenyans who depend on fuel for their daily activities.

The Coalition of Human Rights Defenders had notified the police of plans to hold a peaceful demonstration starting at Kimathi Street and proceeding towards State House. The organisers said they expected hundreds of participants to join the march.

Police officers have been deployed in the city centre to manage the situation and maintain order as demonstrators express their concerns.

Reports of arrests during protests have also raised questions about how the demonstrations are being handled. However, the number of people arrested during Monday’s protest had not been independently confirmed in the reports available at the time of writing.

The latest demonstrations come days after a similar protest on October 20, when several people, including Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee, were arrested. Odee was later released, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

The planned march has renewed public attention on fuel prices and their effect on transport fares, food prices and the cost of running businesses.

Organisers have called for peaceful participation as they seek action over the rising cost of living.

As the situation develops, Nairobi residents and business owners will be watching closely for any changes in the security situation and traffic movement across the CBD.

The key question is whether the government will respond to the protesters’ demands over the rising cost of fuel.

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