Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has organized a forum with retail traders following recent protests that left businesses counting losses.
The multisectoral meeting aims to find lasting solutions to challenges such as supply chain interruptions, regulatory hurdles, and fiscal pressures.
On Monday, July 14, Trade CS Kinyanjui held talks with the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (Retrak), led by Chairman Rupen Shah and CEO Wambui Mbarire, to chart a recovery path for the industry.
The Industry and Trade Ministry emphasized that the retail sector remains a key engine of jobs creation in Kenya and vowed to protect traders.
“Retail is a vital engine for jobs, wealth creation, and a key market for our agricultural and manufactured goods. It must be protected,” a government statement read.
Traders Reel from Protest Losses as Govt Pledges Support
Among the Key issues discussed included supply chain disruptions, regulatory uncertainty, and increasing fiscal pressure.
The meeting also addressed key challenges including the rising cost of doing business, overlapping and inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and duplicative licensing burdens.
RETRAK described the dialogue as open and constructive, with the CS pledging continued engagement, simplification of regulatory frameworks, and support for a fairer operating environment.
Against a backdrop of billions in protest-related losses and heightened investor anxiety, this meeting signalled a crucial step in rebuilding state-retail trust.
Beyond short-term damage control, the session was framed by both parties as an entry point into a more structured, multisectoral reform process to stabilise and grow the sector.
If sustained, such collaboration could offer both publishers and policymakers a forward-looking narrative of economic resilience and policy responsiveness.
To address these concerns, the parties agreed to convene a multisectoral forum aimed at unlocking the sector’s full potential and reinforcing its role in driving Kenya’s economic growth.
Also Read: How Traders Were Left Counting Millions in Losses After Saba Saba Chaos
DCI Crackdown Nets Over 100 Suspects Linked to Saba Saba Looting and Arson
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a crackdown involving arrests, arraignments, and investigations related to the destruction of businesses and public institutions during the July 7 Saba Saba protests.
In Meru County, law enforcement officers arrested three suspects behind the arson attack on Magunas Supermarket. The suspects were captured on CCTV looting and setting fire to the supermarket.
The CCTV footage also recorded some suspects breaking into and stealing from Seven Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket. During the arrests, officers recovered a dark green motorcycle, registration number KMGN 839F, used in the incidents.
In Imenti North, three more suspects were apprehended after being caught on CCTV breaking into and looting Selelite Supermarket.
66 suspects connected to the torching of a gas tanker along Kitui Road were also arrested. Police are also pursuing about 10 more individuals captured on video participating in the crime.
Following widespread vandalism and looting of several supermarkets in Mwea, Kerugoya, and Murang’a towns, 21 suspects linked to looting at Nice City Supermarket in Mwea were arraigned.
In addition, six suspects involved in vandalism and looting at County Supermarket in Kerugoya were arraigned.
Meanwhile, three individuals were arrested for breaking into a godown at Vimit Convertors Limited, located along Mombasa Road near the SGR.
The suspects reportedly scaled the perimeter wall and cut through the iron sheet roof to access the premises. Once inside, they stole valuable electronics, including two laptops (a Microsoft Surface and a Razer), a Huawei iPad, a Soundlink Mini speaker, and other items.
Also Read: CCTV Unmasks Prime Suspect in Kitengela Hospital Raid
Even as counties work to recover from the economic fallout of the Saba Saba protests, some businesses have resumed operations.
Nice Digital City in Mwea, which had suffered losses exceeding Ksh 50 million due to looting destruction has announced its reopening.and
Proprietor Njiru Mkombozi credited the recovery to a mix of personal investment, a loan facility, strengthened security coordination with GSU officers, and commendable community cooperation, including residents who voluntarily returned stolen items.
He also appealed for greater public sensitivity toward business owners during periods of unrest.
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