Kitengela town in Kajiado County remained unusually quiet on Thursday morning as police officers maintained patrols across key streets and major access roads.
Sections of the busy Namanga highway cutting through Kitengela, appeared largely deserted, with fewer vehicles and reduced business activity compared to normal weekday traffic.
Police officers were seen patrolling different parts of the town as authorities maintained heightened security presence in the area.
Along Namanga Road, residents moved on foot while vehicle movement remained noticeably low.
The reduced activity created an unusual atmosphere in a town that ordinarily experiences heavy traffic due to its position along one of the country’s major transport corridors linking Nairobi to southern Kenya and neighbouring Tanzania.
This came amid scheduled Gen Z-led demonstrations on June 25, 2026, with Kitengela having featured among areas that have recorded notable previous protest activity.
The security presence extended beyond Kitengela.
Several major highways and roads leading into Nairobi were also reported to have police roadblocks and security checks.
Motorists travelling along Thika Road, Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way encountered screening points as authorities monitored movement into the capital.
At some checkpoints, vehicles slowed down as officers conducted inspections before allowing traffic to proceed.
The measures came as security agencies maintained visible deployment across parts of Nairobi and surrounding counties.
In Kitengela, some businesses remained closed while others operated at reduced capacity as residents adjusted to the security environment.
Public transport operators and private motorists were also seen making cautious movements through the area.
Pedestrians moved in small numbers along sections of the highway and adjacent roads.
Despite the visible police presence, movement continued in some parts of the town, although activity remained below normal levels.
The quieter streets contrasted sharply with Kitengela’s usual rush of commuters, traders and long-distance travellers using the Namanga route.