Protests have erupted along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani after Nairobi City Council officers demolished temporary structures along the busy route, leaving traders furious and motorists stranded.
Footage obtained on August 25 shows the officers in large numbers destroying the shops using their own hands, and some with tools such as machetes and heavy metal. The images also show them making a number of arrests, with those arrested placed inside their semi-truck amid the demolitions along Chaka Place.
Traders Barricade Road with Burning Tyres
As the commotion ensued, angry traders barricaded that section of the busy road with burning tyres and metal structures, hindering the movement of vehicles to and from the Nairobi Central Business District.
Cars and motorcycles were seen stranded at both ends, with momentum building from the traders. Some motorists were forced to turn back and seek alternative routes. Police cars were also present in the midst of the commotion, trying to quell the protest and calm the situation.
Why Were the Structures Demolished?
Reports indicate that the shops had been there illegally; however, it is not clear if they were issued a vacation notice.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration has intensified crackdowns on informal structures, illegal kiosks, and unauthorized vending. Inspectorate teams have previously cleared hawkers and stalls blocking walkways and cycling lanes on Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street.
City Hall has also targeted unregulated food kiosks and temporary structures violating health and safety codes citywide. Alongside these evictions, the county is developing modern markets in Kasarani, Westlands, and South B to relocate traders.
A Wave of Demolitions Across Nairobi
This incident is the latest in a series of demolition operations across the capital this year:
- Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) cleared Githurai and Roysambu kiosks along Thika Superhighway in February, March, and July for infrastructure upgrades.
- Gikomba Market’s shoe and hardware sections were demolished in March and July for modernisation and river regeneration, prompting backlash after repeated rebuilding attempts.
- Uhuru Market traders on Jogoo Road similarly protested the March demolitions, citing inadequate resettlement following county vacation notices.
Nurses’ Strike Adds to City Chaos
The incident coincides with the nurses’ strike led by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), which saw participants marching peacefully from Green Park Terminus toward the Council of Governors’ offices at Delta Plaza via Uhuru Highway.
They were protesting the non-implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreements. The route also includes Waiyaki Way and Chiromo Road, with motorists warned to expect significant traffic disruptions along the procession path and surrounding roads.
What Happens Next?
As of now, it remains unclear whether the affected traders will be compensated or offered alternative trading spaces. The county government has not issued an official statement regarding the Kilimani demolitions or the resulting protests.
Nairobi residents and motorists are advised to avoid Argwings Kodhek Road and use alternative routes until the situation stabilizes.