26 Aug 2024 | 02:11 PM UTC
Kenya: Anti-government activists are likely to continue staging protests nationwide through at least mid-September /update 13
Activists likely to continue protests across Kenya through at least mid-September. Increased security, disruptions likely; clashes possible.
Anti-government demonstrations will likely continue across Kenya through at least mid-September as activists call for President William Ruto's resignation and dissolution of parliament. Since the middle of June, activists have held protests in several cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Migori, Kisii, and Homa Bay. Upcoming actions include demonstrations at the Supreme Court and the State House and in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on Aug. 27. Organizers have as yet announced no venues or dates for future actions outside the Kenyan capital, but potential locations include political party offices, government buildings, public squares, monuments, and major thoroughfares.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares, near government buildings, and in the vicinity of any protest activity that materializes. Tight security is especially likely in Nairobi's CDB area, around the State House, parliament building, and along Mombasa and Airport roads. Transport disruptions will likely affect areas subject to protest activity and heightened security; business and telecommunications disruptions are also possible in such areas.
Security forces may establish checkpoints to prevent protesters from gathering. Activists could also block roads. Further clashes between security forces and demonstrators are likely; Kenyan authorities are generally quick to use force in dispersing protests. Business and telecommunications disruptions are likely.
Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks set up by protesters. Plan accordingly for disruptions to transport, business operations, and telecommunications services. Confirm the status of driving routes shortly before travel. Heed instructions issued by local authorities. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Maintain contact with your home government's diplomatic mission.
Ruto has taken several steps to address the demands of the protesters in Kenya, including withdrawing the controversial Finance Bill 2024, appointing new cabinet members, implementing austerity measures to reduce government expenditure such as budget cuts, travel restrictions, removal of confidential budgets in Executive offices, reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 percent, and dissolution of at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, in an effort to create a more accountable and responsive government. Despite these measures, protests have continued, with activists now calling for the president's resignation.
Several foreign countries' diplomatic services, including those of Australia, Canada, France, the UK, and the US, have issued notices advising their citizens to avoid demonstrations and other political gatherings in Kenya.
