Kenyan protesters have launched new demonstrations nationwide on Thursday against controversial tax hikes that many fear will exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis.

The administration of President William Ruto made some concessions on Tuesday after clashes between predominantly young protesters and police in the capital, Nairobi.

However, the government plans to proceed with some tax increases, arguing that these hikes are essential for boosting state revenue and reducing dependence on external borrowing.

Protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations in various parts of the country, including Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast and Kisumu by Lake Victoria, both strongholds of the opposition.

“They need to reject the bill, not edit it,” said 21-year-old Sarah Njoroge to AFP. “It seems they think we will just voice our concerns on social media and eventually give up.”

Authorities have blocked several roads near parliament in Nairobi and have deployed a substantial police presence as lawmakers began debating the bill on Wednesday.

Protesters in Nairobi have declared their intent to march to parliament, which must approve the final version of the bill by June 30.

A parliamentary source informed AFP that a vote on the proposals is anticipated on June 27.

The tax measures aim to generate 346.7 billion shillings ($2.7 billion), equivalent to 1.9 percent of GDP, and reduce the budget deficit from 5.7 percent to 3.3 percent of GDP.

On Tuesday, the presidency announced the removal of proposed levies on bread purchases, car ownership, as well as financial and mobile services. This prompted a warning from the treasury about a potential 200-billion-shilling shortfall due to these budget cuts.

To compensate, the government now plans to increase fuel prices and export taxes, a move critics argue will further inflate living costs in a country already grappling with high inflation.

Tuesday’s protest was largely peaceful, though black-clad demonstrators engaged in cat-and-mouse chases with police who responded with teargas.

At least 335 people were arrested, according to a coalition of advocacy groups including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Amnesty Kenya.

“We have changed our approach. Today we will wear colorful and defiant clothing to avoid another mass arrest of everyone dressed in black,” said a march organizer who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals.

Although Kenya is one of the most dynamic economies in East Africa, a third of its 51.5 million residents live in poverty.