NAIROBI, Kenya – The #RejectFuelPrices campaign is gathering momentum following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) latest review, which pushed fuel prices to historic highs effective April 15, 2026, triggering widespread public frustration and growing calls for street protests.
For the first time in Kenya’s history, diesel has crossed the Sh200 mark, deepening the cost-of-living crisis and intensifying anger among consumers already grappling with rising transport fares and inflationary pressure.
The April–May pricing cycle saw Super Petrol rise by Sh28.69 to Sh206.97 per litre, while diesel surged by a record Sh40.30 to Sh206.84 per litre, with kerosene remaining unchanged at Sh152.78 per litre.
The sharp increases, attributed to higher landed costs, global supply disruptions, and conflict in the Middle East, have already begun to reshape daily life, with transport operators raising fares by up to 14 percent and traders warning of further price hikes on essential goods.
As economic pressure mounts, public sentiment has increasingly shifted from online outrage to open calls for action. Frustration is now spilling into the streets, with sections of Kenyans warning that protests may be imminent if the government fails to address the surging cost of fuel and living expenses.
The #RejectFuelPrices movement has become a rallying point for citizens demanding accountability and transparency in fuel pricing, particularly over the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) import arrangement meant to stabilize the market.
Despite government interventions, including a temporary VAT reduction on petroleum products and a Sh6.2 billion subsidy from the Petroleum Development Levy, critics argue the measures have done little to cushion households from the impact of record-high pump prices.
EPRA has maintained that without the recent interventions, fuel prices would have risen even higher, though for many Kenyans the relief remains insufficient amid growing economic pressure and public anger over the cost of living.
On social media, frustration has continued to spill over, with users amplifying the #RejectFuelPrices campaign and calling out the government over the steep increases.
“We are saying NO to the egregious new fuel prices. #RejectFuelPrices,” user amerix stated.
“RUTO IS NOT GOOD FOR THE COUNTRY #RejectFuelPrices,” Nyakundi observed.
“Is epra bigger than our country? Is ruto powerful than the power of the people?? I bet you said No too! #RejectFuelPrices,” Talisman James noted.
“No to these new fuel prices, life is already tough, man #tukokadi #RejectFuelPrices,” Aringo said.
As pressure mounts, some users have gone further, openly urging collective action. “Why are we prolonging our suffering? What are we waiting for? Let’s get out of our comfort zones and hit the streets. #RejectFuelPrices,” James stated.
