Nairobi businesses left counting losses after two-day fuel price demos

As PSV operators call off strike for seven days to allow fuel price negotiations with the government, businesses across Nairobi are reeling from the aftermath of the demonstrations.

The two-day demonstrations left businesses across Nairobi counting heavy losses.

The situation paralysed public transport in the city and its surroundings – completely limiting movement of people and goods.

Businesses that depended on daily customer flow registered dipping sales, or no sales at all, as residents kept indoors Monday and part of Tuesday, many choosing to monitor the situation from the safety of their homes.

“I normally sell out most of the meat by evening, but for the last two days customers have been very few,” said butcher operator Arthur Karanja from Umoja.

Karanja told Wananchi Reporting the demonstrations affected his business in a big way.

Fish mongers and vegetable traders in Nairobi also lamented huge losses, saying transport disruptions affected supply and customer turnout. 

“I received fresh fish from the lake on Monday, but no one came to buy because the roads were closed,” said trader Mary Nyaboke.

Other affected businesses included boutiques, cart pullers and electronics shops, as many remained closed.

“Many people feared coming to town because of the protests and lack of transport,” said clothing shop owner Brian Okethi.

Meanwhile, many businesses in the hospitality sector either remained closed, or registering reduced bookings due to the demonstrations.

And now that the demonstrations have been called off, business owners are hoping for a lasting solution to the fuel crisis to prevent further economic losses.