Former Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Kuria has cautioned that the growing wave of insecurity in Nairobi is damaging investor confidence and threatening the capital’s ambition of positioning itself as a regional financial hub.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Kuria faulted both county and national authorities for failing to deal with rising lawlessness. He noted that Nairobi’s deteriorating security situation is eroding the city’s global image and weakening efforts to attract international investment.
The warning comes against the backdrop of an increase in violent crime, including muggings, carjackings, and gang-related attacks. Business leaders have also expressed unease, highlighting weak enforcement of law and poor urban management as major obstacles to Nairobi’s progress.
Residents Alarmed by Crime Trends
Online platforms have been flooded with videos and testimonies from Nairobi residents expressing concern about the growing insecurity. One viral video described the return of a criminal gang that intimidates victims by threatening to smear them with human waste if they fail to comply.
Other social media users have urged residents to avoid displaying their phones and valuables in public, especially at night, warning that gangs are targeting individuals in busy areas. Cases of phones being snatched inside public transport vehicles and at bus stops have been widely reported, intensifying public fear.
The shared experiences paint a picture of a city struggling with petty and violent crimes that are not only inconveniencing residents but also putting lives at risk.
Push for Security Agencies to Act
Kuria has increased pressure on Nairobi County authorities and national security agencies to urgently restore order. According to him, while local communities may continue to adapt to insecurity, international investors will not tolerate the current environment.
The call for action reflects broader frustrations from residents and business leaders alike. Many believe that Nairobi’s future as a competitive global city depends on decisive measures to curb crime, strengthen law enforcement, and restore public confidence.
