Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was placed under an extensive security lockdown on Wednesday as authorities sealed major roads and restricted movement ahead of the planned Gen Z anniversary demonstrations.
The operation, coordinated by the National Police Service, saw all key access routes into the city centre placed under tight control, significantly disrupting public transport and normal business activity across the capital.
Police established roadblocks at multiple entry points on major highways leading into Nairobi. Sections of Thika Road experienced restricted access at Roysambu, Githurai and the Guru Nanak–Allsops area, while motorists approaching through Waiyaki Way encountered checkpoints near Kangemi. Similar restrictions were reported along Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Ngong Road, Valley Road, Juja Road and Jogoo Road.
Public Service Vehicles and matatus were barred from entering the CBD, forcing hundreds of commuters to disembark at checkpoints and continue their journeys on foot. In some areas, travellers sought alternative transport arrangements as movement into the city centre became increasingly difficult.
Security measures were also intensified around sensitive government installations. Roads surrounding Parliament and routes leading to State House were heavily fortified with wire-mesh barricades and razor wire, while police maintained a visible presence at strategic junctions and roundabouts across the city.
The restrictions had a wider impact on economic activity, with reports of reduced operations among transport providers and temporary closure of some businesses, offices and retail outlets within the CBD.
The heightened deployment comes amid preparations for anniversary activities linked to the Gen Z demonstrations, events that continue to shape national conversations around governance, public participation and security management.
Authorities have maintained that the measures are intended to preserve public order and protect critical infrastructure, while rights groups and observers continue to call for the safeguarding of constitutional freedoms, including peaceful assembly and movement.
Source Attributed:The Standard