Despite the heavy police deployment in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) following a ban on protests, businesses are operating normally.

Assessment of the town revealed that shops and premises along major streets like Moi Avenue, Tom Mbaya, Accra Road, and River Road are open and functioning as usual.

The police presence is palpable, with officers strategically stationed in various parts of the CBD, armed with tear gas canisters and batons, ready to respond to any potential unrest.

At the Kencom area, which was the epicenter of the recent Gen Z protests, a truck full of anti-riot police officers was stationed, while other officers patrolled the streets.

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had announced the ban on protests within the Nairobi CBD, citing concerns over “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.”

“Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct,” Kanja said in a statement.

Despite the heavy police presence, the streets of Nairobi’s CBD appear to have returned to a sense of normalcy, with businesses operating without disruption.