Nairobi CBD is becoming one of the most dangerous places to start business in Nairobi. Few years ago, one could start a business, run it smoothly without any disruption, but now, the frequent demonstrations put it at a risk of being the worst place for business.
Over the past 2 weeks, Kenya has witnessed the worst demonstrations, one of them being on 25th June 2024 by the Gen Z. During those times, businesses are broken into and items stolen. Businesses close down completely and even if they close, one isn’t sure that the stock will be available the following day. Imagine waking up to the shock that you have lost Ksh30 million stock to thieves.
It has now reached a time where goons are taking advantage of the demonstrations to steal from shops. This means that wherever there are demonstrations, the goons will be standby to steal—this is bad for businesses.
I have witnessed shops moving away from Nairobi CBD. Estates like Embakasi, Utawala,Along Mombasa road,Ngong Road,Kilimani and Kasarani are booming. The night life shifted from Nairobi CBD to estates where huge pubs are operating. Electronic shops are being set in estates and even boutique shops. Businesses which used to thrive in Nairobi CBD are not thriving anymore because of political uncertainties.
What makes businesses in the CBD more furious is the fact that the rent they pay is very high, they even pay good will. In most estates, good will is not charged.
Unless there is a solution for this political uncertainties and demostrations,people will shun Nairobi CBD and in future the place will be deserted.
