A cloud of uncertainty and tension gripped Nairobi CBD (Central Business District) on Wednesday morning, as shopkeepers and business owners chose to keep their premises closed ahead of the much-anticipated nationwide protests set for Thursday.
By 10:36 am, entire streets of the capital’s usually bustling commercial hub appeared eerily deserted, with metal shutters pulled down and “closed” signs hanging on shopfronts. The fear of potential violence, looting, and police confrontation loomed large, prompting businesses to prioritise safety over profit.
Several traders who spoke to reporters cited increasing anxiety over the recent wave of demonstrations, which have been marked by running battles between protesters and law enforcement officers. “Last week, we watched tear gas being fired just outside our door,” said one shop owner along Moi Avenue. “I can’t take that risk again, especially after hearing that tomorrow’s protest will be even bigger.”
Public transport was also disrupted, with many matatus avoiding CBD routes and passengers forced to walk long distances to reach their destinations. Security presence was visibly heightened, with armed officers stationed at key junctions, including Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, and Tom Mboya Street.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and several civil society organisations have already warned of escalating tensions if the government fails to address protesters’ grievances, including the high cost of living, unemployment, and alleged police brutality.
As the country braces for another day of mass action, business owners in Nairobi remain caught in a difficult balancing act, torn between economic survival and personal safety. For now, the message is clear.
