The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has warned that frequent protests are disrupting businesses and costing the country billions of shillings through lost working hours and reduced productivity.

The warning came as many businesses in Nairobi remained closed or recorded low customer turnout during the 36th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with fears of demonstrations keeping many residents away from the city centre.

FKE Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Mugo said every day businesses remain closed translates into lost working hours that cannot be recovered, lower productivity and continued operational costs for employers.

Threats in economic growth

According to the employers’ body, repeated disruptions threaten economic growth and undermine business confidence, urging stakeholders to ensure enterprises continue operating without unnecessary interruptions.

Despite Nairobi remaining largely calm for most of the day, traders, boda boda operators and workers in the informal sector said they suffered significant losses due to reduced customer numbers.

Business owner Derick Munene said customer traffic was far below normal despite the absence of violence.

“Leo nimeingia asubuhi, hakujakuwa na tear gas ama nini, lakini hakuna hiyo flow yenye imekuwa kama the normal days,” he said.

Boda boda rider Stephen Kimani lamented the lack of passengers, saying the day had been difficult because people stayed away.

“Hakuna customer tumepata na imekuwa ni ngumu. Tunaomba tu watu waache hii mambo ya maandamano iishe, tungoje hadi election ifike ndio biashara iendelee,” he said.

Saba Saba arrests

On the other hand, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has confirmed that 10 people were arrested during the Saba Saba security operation in Nairobi and will be arraigned in court to face obstruction and other related charges.

Speaking after the operation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Mohamud said six of them were arrested in the Pangani area, while four others were apprehended within the Central Police Station jurisdiction.

“We had apprehensions of only 10 persons. Six were arrested within the Pangani area, and four were arrested within the Central Police Station,” he said.