Businesses suffer as police block access to Nairobi CBD

Police place a roadblock in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on July 7, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The heart of Nairobi City, on Monday, stood unnaturally still with empty streets-storefronts shuttered and all business premises remained closed in anticipation of planned protests. 

The chirping of birds, humming of air conditioners in buildings that were intermittently interrupted by roaring of police vehicles patrolling was the order in the Kenya's capital as it remained a ghost town.

The situation was occasioned by the police road blocks set up across major roads leading to the CBD. 

Youths had threatened to storm the CBD to commemorate the historic Saba Saba Day, first marked on July 7, 1990. 

"For the first time Sabina Joy's door is shut," said a reporter, signifying the deafening silence suspended in an eerie stillness that hung over the East Africa region's hub. 

Usually, the CBD is known for its relentless pace, roaring matatus, and jostling crowds on normal days and a battleground between police officers and protestors during demonstration, scenarios which were not the case on Monday.

The city centre was deserted save for security guards manning business premises. Some men also stood with clubs-perhaps hired by shop owners to guard against looting. 

"The streets have been left for security guards. We are so much disappointed in everything our economy is depreciating," lamented one of the guards who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity. 

Weeks ago, the city experienced mayhem as goons who infiltrated the June 25 Gen Z-led protests, raided business premises and burnt down others, leaving traders counting huge losses.  

Major financial institutions, within the CBD also suspended operations.

Public and private transport was grounded as police officers manning roadblocks turned back vehicles and pedestrians.  

"We came in the morning to evacuate those that came early because there are no matatus but we have not been allowed to access town," said a bodaboda rider on Bunyala Road who identified himself as Dan.

"The government should listen to mwananchi," he said wondered what he will take home after failing to earn anything. 

"They (police officers) have destroyed our business. They are turned us away," he said. 

A PSV driver said, "we are being harassed by the police. They have blocked everywhere. We don't know if we will find the link-roads to estates closed. We are really disoriented."

Despite this, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli insisted that no one was blocked from accessing the CDB to run their errands. 

"Everybody is getting to the CBD and going to duty as normal," he said while patrolling along University Way. 

Within the CBD, police vehicles were used to block roads while water cannons were moving around.