The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) experienced significant disruption on Thursday as increased security measures and widespread business closures accompanied the anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests planned across the country.
Normally busy streets in the city centre were largely empty, with a heavy deployment of security officers stationed at strategic points. Many businesses remained closed as traders and residents adopted a cautious approach amid concerns over possible unrest.
Key areas such as Koinange Street, Kimathi Street, Muindi Mbingu Street, and the vicinity of the National Archives saw little to no civilian activity, highlighting the extent of the disruption.
The heightened security presence was also evident in other parts of the country, though most towns remained relatively peaceful. In cities including Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Meru, businesses gradually resumed operations, but commercial activity remained below normal levels due to ongoing uncertainty.
Several satellite towns also reported reduced activity as a precaution. Business closures were noted in Kitengela, Naivasha, and Ngurubani in Kirinyaga County. In Kitengela, security officers were deployed to strategic locations while many establishments stayed shut. Traffic along Namanga Road, however, continued to flow normally.
In Nakuru, some businesses along Kenyatta Avenue delayed opening, while in Eldoret, anti-riot police maintained patrols along major streets.
Access into Nairobi became increasingly difficult as authorities established roadblocks and security checkpoints along major routes. Traffic on Mombasa Road was heavily affected, with long queues forming near the Mlolongo checkpoint close to the Expressway entrance.
Additional checkpoints on Waiyaki Way near Kangemi Bridge and along Ngong Road further limited access to the city. Public service vehicles were barred from proceeding beyond the Kenyatta National Hospital area toward the CBD.
The Thika Superhighway also experienced disruptions after a bonfire blockade was reported at Roster’s Corner, while police maintained a strong presence at Njomoko Stage and Kiandutu Junction.
Motorists entering Nairobi from Rongai encountered restrictions due to a heavily secured checkpoint near Multimedia University on Lang’ata Road.
Within the capital, armed police officers remained stationed around the Kenyatta Avenue–Uhuru Highway roundabout, conducting strict security checks.
Elsewhere, police were deployed around Capital Roundabout in Kisii, although no incidents were reported. Mombasa remained calm, with no demonstrations or confrontations observed around the Pembe Za Ndovu area on Moi Avenue.
Although turnout remained low in many locations, authorities cautioned that isolated incidents could still arise. Logistics operators and field personnel were advised to avoid major transport hubs, expect possible road closures, and prepare for significant delays on routes leading into Nairobi.
