Shadrack Nyakoe
The Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) is reeling from the economic fallout of Wednesday 25 June 2025 violent protests, which saw widespread vandalism, looting, and business disruptions.
In response, Kwenya Mwaniki, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Nairobi CBD, has issued a statement outlining urgent demands and recommendations to aid the recovery of the city’s economic heart.
Speaking on Thursday, June 26, Hon. Mwaniki expressed deep concern and sympathy for the affected business owners, workers, and residents.
“The economic heart of our city was shaken. Livelihoods were disrupted, property was destroyed, and confidence in our business environment was dealt a severe blow,” he stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
To alleviate the financial burden on businesses struggling to rebuild, MCA Mwaniki has called for a three-year waiver on business licenses, permits, and renovation fees for all affected traders and shop owners.
This measure, he believes, will provide crucial breathing room for recovery.
In a bid to bolster security and prevent future incidents, Mwaniki has directed all building owners within the CBD to replace outdated or weak shutter doors with metallic security doors.
Further, he mandated the installation of reliable, working CCTV surveillance systems in every commercial building to enhance security and aid investigations.
The MCA also delivered a stern warning to political leaders, urging them to desist from misusing young people to incite violence or vandalize businesses. He condemned such acts, highlighting their detrimental impact on lives, the local economy, and the future of the youth themselves.
A key demand from Hon. Mwaniki is compensation for all businesses that suffered damage, theft, or destruction during the protests.
He appealed to both the County and National Governments, through their respective disaster response and economic recovery agencies, to provide this vital support.
“Also we are demanding the immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the destruction and looting of property,” he said.
He stressed the importance of accountability to restore order and deter future occurrences.
“Nairobi CBD is not just a trading center — it is the economic engine of our county and country,” Hon. Mwaniki asserted. “Any attack on it is an attack on every hardworking Kenyan striving to earn an honest living.”
Hon. Kwenya Mwaniki pledged his continued support for the business community, vowing to push for justice and work towards a safer and more resilient Nairobi CBD.
