KISUMU, Kenya Juun 25 – Businesses remained open and traffic flowed normally in Kisumu on Thursday morning even as Nairobi experienced major movement restrictions and heightened security ahead of planned Gen Z memorial protests.

In Kisumu, normal business activities continued across the lakeside city, with public transport operating without major disruption despite increased police patrols in several areas.

A police patrol lorry was seen conducting rounds along major streets as authorities monitored the situation ahead of the commemorative demonstrations marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests.

At Kondele, an area historically associated with demonstrations and political unrest, an ongoing national identification and voter registration exercise was observed proceeding peacefully.

The calm in Kisumu contrasted sharply with the situation in Nairobi, where heavy police deployment, roadblocks, and barbed wire barricades paralysed transport and restricted access into the Central Business District (CBD).

Security agencies mounted extensive checkpoints on major roads leading into the city centre, forcing both public service vehicles (PSVs) and private motorists to seek alternative routes or abandon journeys altogether.

Heavy police presence was also reported around Parliament Buildings, where anti-riot officers and General Service Unit (GSU) personnel erected barbed wire barriers ahead of the planned protests.

Movement across several major routes in and out of Nairobi remained restricted throughout the morning, with authorities warning motorists to expect sudden road closures, diversions, and lengthy delays.

Businesses within parts of the Nairobi CBD remained closed amid fears of possible unrest during the demonstrations.

The Gen Z memorial protests are expected to take place in several towns across the country as young Kenyans commemorate victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations and renew calls for accountability, governance reforms, and economic relief.