Massive losses have rocked Kenya’s business community as Gen Z-led protests continue to rattle major towns, with private sector players estimating up to Sh3 billion lost daily in looting and disrupted operations.
In Nairobi, once-bustling streets turned grim scenes of destruction as businesses were vandalised and set ablaze. Joseph Maina, who has run a beauty and jewelry shop at Imenti House for over a decade, found his shop completely looted. “All that was left were gift wrappers and women stockings,” he lamented, after losing goods worth Sh1.5 million.
Amber House near the Bus Station saw over 15 shops vandalised, while at Mithoo House near Khoja Roundabout, more than 50 enterprises were wiped out. Kennedy Gicheha, a computer technician, lost items worth over Sh500,000 and now faces the daunting task of compensating clients whose machines he was repairing.
The violence, sparked during commemorations of the deadly 2023 anti-finance bill protests, was exacerbated by a lack of security presence in key areas, as reports suggested police had been re-deployed to guard strategic installations, leaving city centres exposed.
Elsewhere, Esther Wanjiru watched in despair as her mobile phone business, funded by a Sh1.5 million loan, was stripped bare. “All has gone down the drain, but the loan remains,” she said. A liquor store and several other buildings near Globe Roundabout were also looted or burned down.
Across 27 counties including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri, supermarkets, fuel stations, eateries and retail shops suffered similar fates.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) estimated the protests are costing the manufacturing sector contributing Sh1 trillion to the economy about Sh2.9 billion daily. KAM CEO Tobias Alando called for respect for the right to peaceful protest while condemning the accompanying violence and vandalism.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and MSME Development PS Susan Mang’eni decried the destruction of livelihoods, warning of the long-term impact on job creation and economic stability.
As tensions simmer, the state now faces pressure to offer compensation and restore investor confidence amid growing economic and political uncertainty.
