Government Warns Saba Saba Protests Could Cripple Kenya’s Economy, Scare Off Investors
As Kenyans prepare for Saba Saba Day protests on Monday, the government has sounded the alarm on the economic implications of ongoing unrest, warning that repeated demonstrations could deter investors and further destabilize the economy.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui issued a stern caution, stating that past protests, which often turned violent, have already painted Kenya as an unsafe destination for business. “Business disruptions and property damage witnessed in past protests have portrayed Kenya as unstable. That scares investors,” Kinyanjui said.
While acknowledging that the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, Kinyanjui expressed concern that peaceful demonstrations are increasingly being hijacked by criminal elements. “If we want to protect the right to picket, we must also respect other provisions in the same Constitution. Damage to property and loss of life are unacceptable,” he noted.
Kinyanjui lamented the rising fear among entrepreneurs, highlighting that repeated shutdowns, especially in key urban areas, are damaging Kenya’s reputation and economic prospects. “The cost of shutting down businesses for days makes Kenya seem unreliable and a dangerous place to invest in,” he warned.
He urged Kenyans to show restraint, reflect on the consequences of their actions, and prioritise national unity. “Let’s take a deep breath and reflect on the consequences. We must halt the race to the bottom. It pulls the whole nation down.”
The warnings come ahead of the planned protests commemorating July 7, 1990—Saba Saba Day—which marked the fight for multiparty democracy during the rule of the late President Daniel Arap Moi. The National Alternative Alliance (NAA), which is spearheading the protests, accuses President William Ruto’s administration of corruption and mismanagement.
Business owners in Nairobi have already begun bracing for possible unrest, with many reinforcing their shops or choosing to remain closed altogether. Memories of the June 25 protests—when looters vandalised shops and set some ablaze—remain fresh, especially in hotspots like the OTC area.
Some traders have taken the precaution of relocating their stock, while others have organised themselves into groups to protect their businesses. “We’re tired of rebuilding every time there’s a protest,” one trader said.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) said it had not received a formal notification for the planned demonstrations. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga warned that unauthorised protests often lead to chaos and urged organisers to follow the law.
The government’s message is clear: while the right to protest remains protected, the cost of unregulated demonstrations—economically, socially, and politically—continues to mount.
In other news:Fire Breaks Out at Embakasi Girls Secondary School in Nairobi
Government Warns Saba Saba Protests Could Cripple Kenya’s Economy, Scare Off Investors