Protesters turn Kenya National Archives area into football pitch

A group of demonstrators protesting the high cost of fuel staged an unusual protest in Nairobi’s central business district.

The group started their day by singing the national anthem near the Kenya National Archives before briefly turning the area into an improvised football ground.

After the solemn start, the mood shifted as protesters began kicking around a football in what appeared to be a spontaneous and disorganised match.

With no goalposts, teams or goalkeepers, the crowd chased the ball from one end of the open space to the other, creating a lively but chaotic scene.

Women joined in the activity, with the entire group moving together in a scramble that resembled more of a playful release than a structured game.

For a while, police officers stationed nearby observed without intervening, allowing the gathering to continue. However, the situation later changed as officers moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to several arrests.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that 11 protesters had been arrested and detained. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the charges they may face.

The demonstrations were organised by a coalition of Gen Z activists alongside opposition-linked groups, who have been calling for action to address the rising cost of living, with a particular focus on fuel prices.

The protests come in the wake of recent adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which initially announced sharp increases in fuel prices for the April–May pricing cycle. Super petrol rose by Sh28.69 while diesel increased by Sh40.30, sparking public outcry.

A day later, the regulator revised the prices downward following a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 13 per cent to 8 per cent. In Nairobi, the price of super petrol dropped by Sh9.37 to Sh197.60 per litre, while diesel decreased by Sh10.21 to Sh196.63. Kerosene prices remained unchanged at Sh152.78 per litre.

The revised prices, which took effect on April 16, will remain in force until May 14, 2026. The adjustments followed an earlier spike that had pushed fuel prices in the capital to record highs, with petrol reaching Sh206.97 and diesel Sh206.84 per litre.

Despite the reductions, many Kenyans continue to feel the strain of high fuel costs, which have a ripple effect on transport, food prices and other essential goods.

Across Nairobi’s CBD, police presence was heightened but relatively subdued compared to previous protests. A small number of officers patrolled the streets on foot, carrying batons, while no major barricades were erected.

Business activity continued largely uninterrupted, with most shops remaining open and pedestrian and vehicular movement flowing normally.