Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) witnessed minimal activity on Sunday morning, July 7, as shops remained closed and police roadblocks disrupted access to the city centre ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests.
Typically bustling with human traffic, major sections of the CBD such as Moi Avenue, Kencom, and the National Archives area were noticeably deserted. These locations, known as critical public transport hubs, were almost empty, with only a handful of pedestrians seen walking around.
Shops across the city centre remained shut, with many business owners choosing not to open due to fears of unrest and possible looting. Over the weekend, businesses reinforced their premises with metal grills and some even emptied their shops entirely—echoing last week’s protests that led to significant losses for traders.
To tighten security, police mounted roadblocks on all major roads leading to the CBD, including Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, Thika Road, Kenyatta Avenue, Mombasa Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, and Valley Road. Both private and public service vehicles were stopped and turned away unless they belonged to the government or were responding to emergencies.
Authorities say the move was aimed at preventing protestors from infiltrating the city centre under disguise and catching security forces off guard.
The annual Saba Saba protests commemorate the July 7, 1990 demonstrations that marked a turning point in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy. However, this year’s protests carry renewed energy, largely driven by a youth-led digital movement demanding greater government accountability, transparency, and economic reforms.
What began as online mobilization under hashtags like #GenZRevolution has spilled into the streets, reflecting growing frustration among young Kenyans over rising living costs, perceived corruption, and inadequate leadership.
As the day unfolds, all eyes remain on the protest organizers, government response, and the broader implications of this year’s Saba Saba underscoring a growing generational voice in Kenya’s political and civic space.
