Kenyan businesses came to a near-complete halt across major cities yesterday as thousands of young protestors flooded the streets to mark the anniversary of Gen-Z demonstrators who lost their lives during last year’s unrest. 

The commemorative protests, driven predominantly by youth, paralysed commercial activities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret, mirroring the widespread shutdowns of 2024. 

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said over Ksh6 billion was lost in June 2024 alone due to Gen-Z-led demonstrations. The disruptions ranged from vandalism and property damage to forced business closures as traders feared looting and insecurity. 

A spot check by People Daily confirmed that businesses along Nairobi’s Kimathi Street, Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya, Ronald Ngala, and Luthuli streets were closed.  

Many owners had welded entrances to safeguard their premises. Those who dared to open operated cautiously, often with shutters halfway, in the hope of making some last-minute sales amid the economic uncertainty. 

Even Nairobi’s bustling Gikomba Market, known for its trade in second-hand clothes (mitumba), observed a rare full-day closure. Traders opted to stay home, wary of clashing with protestors. 

“We decided to stay home to avoid confrontation. But this costs us — we move millions of clothes daily, and a day lost is business lost for hundreds of thousands of Kenyans,” said Emily Nyagaka, a trader at the expansive market.

Data from the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) estimates that the sector employs about two million Kenyans, both directly and indirectly.

The industry also contributes about Ksh12 billion annually in taxes, with daily contributions reaching Ksh33.3 million. 

That entire stream of revenue was missed yesterday as market suppliers and retail chains across the country and the region felt the pinch of halted activity. 

Patrick Kimilu, a businessman operating multiple outlets along Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street and Kenyatta Avenue, noted that days like these are filled with uncertainty.  

His typical daily revenue from a single shop can range between Ksh10,000 and Ksh25,000.  

“Most of us are servicing loans from commercial banks and Saccos with strict repayment terms. Losing a day’s income often means defaulting, which leads to even more interest down the line,” Kimilu explained. 

Commercial property cost is another burden. Shops along busy Nairobi streets can cost up to Ksh90,000 a month.

Ground floor outlets go for Ksh60,000 to Ksh90,000; basement spaces fetch between Ksh45,000 and Ksh80,000, while upper-floor shops range from Ksh35,000 to Ksh65,000.

Missing even a single day of sales creates cascading financial strain, especially for small-scale traders. 

Beyond retail, the creative economy also took a hit with street photographers, videographers, hawkers, and other informal traders staying away from their bases, stalling the flow of money in both formal and informal sectors.

The day’s total shutdown echoed across industries. 

The matatu sector, which forms a crucial part of Kenya’s public transport system, reported a 50 per cent loss during the June 12, 2025, demonstrations. According to the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), the losses amounted to approximately Ksh150 million.  

On normal days 

Nairobi alone operates about 25,000 matatus, with each 33-seater earning roughly Ksh15,000 daily. On normal days, the industry generates more than Ksh115 million daily and contributes over Ksh10 billion monthly. 

Albert Karakacha, MOA’s chairman, said many operators are also dealing with loan repayments. “Some of us defaulted on instalments during the shutdowns. We’re calling on the government and stakeholders to engage in dialogue and prevent the country from descending into further unrest,” he said. 

While the protests were framed as a tribute to those who died last year, they reignited deeper political and social tensions.  

Many businesses stayed closed not only out of caution but also as a gesture of solidarity. Transport routes were disrupted, and security was heavy, with police deployed across major intersections to monitor the situation. 

Analysts discussing the event mostly pointed out that the day’s economic losses are a stark reminder of the growing divide between a disillusioned generation demanding reform and a system slow to adapt.

The Gen-Z-led anniversary protests underscore both the economic vulnerabilities of Kenya’s urban centres and the political power of youth. 

As Kenya reflects on the financial toll of the past year, experts say that the day’s events served as a sobering message — the cost of ignoring young voices extends far beyond the streets, echoing across balance sheets and communities alike.