There has been a heavy police presence around Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and other major towns as opposition supporters were expected to hold demonstrations to protest against the high cost of living.
Protests have been reported in several places including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, where police have used teargas to disperse crowds.
Local media say that several businesses have been vandalised by demonstrators in Kisumu.
Confrontations between police and demonstrators have been reported in several parts of Nairobi, and a busy highway leading to the city had been blocked in the morning.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is scheduled to speak at a major political rally in the capital later.
He is expected to announce the resumption of weekly nationwide protests.
The authorities have allowed the rally to go ahead but cautioned against protesters going into Nairobi’s city centre.
Mr Odinga is expected to initiate a campaign to gather signatures in support of his efforts to compel the government to decrease the prices of crucial goods such as petrol.
The protest comes after President William Ruto signed controversial tax increases – including one on on fuel – into law .