Tourists shy away from hotels, Lake Nakuru National Park, on protest days

“Monday ni kazi, Tuesday ni maandamano.” It seems Gen Zs have taken these lyrics literally after doing a remix to the song by Dantez.

As witnessed in the last one month, protesters, made up mostly of Gen Z have staged protests countrywide every Tuesday and Thursday, seeking accountability from the government.

Following these protests, Nakuru’s tourism sector has witnessed some changes.

David Mwangi, the Chair of the Nakuru County Tourism Association laments how the hospitality sector has suffered a huge blow with the ongoing protests. 

"Previously, people would travel during the week to Nakuru for meetings and conferences. But since there are protests in the middle of the week, the number of people coming has significantly reduced,” he says.

Mr Mwangi adds that most of the hotels in the city centre are the ones that have been majorly affected since they find themselves in the middle of the unrest. 

Away from the city centre, Joseph Dadacha, Senior Assistant Director in charge of Central Rift Conservation, says Lake Nakuru National Park has witnessed changes with the days schools pick to visit the park.

“The schools have had to reschedule their trips from Tuesdays and Thursdays to other days, as they cannot guarantee the safety of their students on these days," he says.

He adds that local tourists also keep off the Park on these days which is different from the other days where they can be seen milling around.

However, Dadacha notes that those who still plan to visit the Park can do so, as the gates are away from the city centre.

"We have our gates at Lanet and Nderit that are on the outskirts of the city. Therefore, tourists can use these points to access the Park," he notes. 

Gen Zs in Nakuru have religiously participated in the nationwide anti-government protests with an exception of Tuesday July 23, where the city witnessed an uneasy calm the whole day.