Kenya: Motorists plan road blockade in Nairobi August 22

Event

The Motorist Association of Kenya has called for road blockades to be set up throughout Nairobi during morning rush hour on Wednesday, August 22, to protest an increase in fuel taxes set to take effect in September. Demonstrators plan to park their vehicles on the main roads beginning at 07:30 (local time) through 10:30 and walk to their destination in protest. A heightened security presence and significant traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration sites.

Context

On Monday, August 20, Kenya's Treasury Principal Secretary announced that a 6 percent value-added-tax (VAT) is set to take effect on September 1. The new tax comes after a month of rising fuel prices and is intended to decrease the government's reliance on IMF loans.

Advice

Individuals in Nairobi are advised to anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid any potential protests, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.