The protests were smaller than last week's, but there were chaotic scenes in Mombasa, including cars burning as protesters and police clashed.
Nairobi has a massive security presence, with fighting raging along the main road leading into the city centre, with crowds of protesters firing fires and throwing stones at police.
In the central business districts of Nairobi and Mombasa, some shopkeepers have hired vigilantes to patrol with batons to prevent looting.
Astin Kibowen, 21, who guards a music store in Nairobi, told the BBC he hopes the president “listens to our cries and our voices”.
Since President Ruto came to power two years ago promising to boost the economy, Kenyans have been suffering a cost-of-living crisis due to rising taxes on salaries, fuel and sales.
On one of Nairobi's main roads, activists placed an empty coffin in front of riot police to draw attention to the excessive use of force during protests across the country.
The state-backed Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) said most of the protesters were killed on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the bill and large crowds gathered to protest.
A statement on Monday evening said 17 people were killed in Nairobi and 22 elsewhere in the country.
It also said there were 361 injuries, 32 “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests.
Amnesty International said 24 protesters were killed in the demonstrations. Police had previously estimated the death toll at 19.
One artist told the BBC he plans to photograph the actual protests taking place in Nairobi.
“We are mourning the children killed by the police. While others are chanting, I am making art. I saw a flag planted on this guy who was shot last week,” said Linda Indakwa, 29, pointing to one of her art installations on a street in the city center.
