Steel door, grille orders boom as Gen-Zs demonstrations rage

Public service vehicles and traders who had earlier entered Nairobi’s CBD were removed by police, resulting in deserted streets and closed businesses. The situation is significantly impacting the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, which affects other industries.

Anthony Mwangi, the chief executive of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, noted that disruptions in transporting goods from ports to factories or markets have halted many operations. This has led to widespread business closures, causing severe losses as production and retail activities come to a standstill.

Traders are facing financial losses due to closed businesses, while the Nairobi County government is missing out on millions of shillings in parking fees daily.

Since June 18, the country has been experiencing protests led by Gen-Zs, sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which has since been withdrawn. The youth have criticized the government, leading President William Ruto to dismiss his entire Cabinet and appoint a new one, sworn in on Thursday at State House in Nairobi.

President Ruto’s new Cabinet includes members from the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), led by Raila Odinga, in an effort to quell the ongoing demonstrations. The new Cabinet members from ODM are John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Ali Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives).

Other towns such as Nakuru, Mombasa, Homa Bay, Migori, Eldoret, and Kisumu, which had previously seen protests, were quiet on Thursday. According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, over 50 youths have been killed and hundreds injured during the protests.