On 11 July 2023, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Kenya to include the following: “The political opposition has arranged anti-government demonstrations in recent months. The opposition have called for further demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country on 12 July 2023. Public transport strikes are planned for the same day and are expected to cause transport disruptions. In the past, demonstrations in Kenya have resulted in clashes between the police and demonstrators. Avoid protests and political gatherings.”
Analyst Comment: The Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya opposition coalition led by Raila Odinga has staged rallies in the capital Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya since June 2023 to protest tax hikes amid the rising cost of living in the country. Kenya’s High Court on 10 July extended orders to suspend tax increases outlined in the recently ratified Finance Act 2023; the government is set to challenge the verdict in the Court of Appeal.
