Report: Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa Top Counties for Protests

Nairobi has been identified as one of the hotspot counties for protests in Kenya, according to a new report by the Kenya Freedom Index. Kenya’s capital ranked first as the county most prone to protests with a significant 289 protests recorded between 2020 and 2025. Nakuru was identified as a distant second among counties most prone to protests, with 50 protests in the same period, followed by Mombasa, which recorded 44 protests over the past five years. According to the report, protests mainly concentrate in urban counties like Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Kisumu, Kisii and Machakos, where dense populations, youth networks, and media presence make mobilization easier and more visible. Additionally, regions with strong opposition tendencies protest more than pro-regime areas. Sparsely populated counties like Samburu, Mandera, Wajir, and Tana River may record fewer protests due to weaker networks, poor media coverage, and tighter state action. Over the years, Kenya has experienced at least 1,002 protests between January 2020 and December 2025, according to the report. According to the report, the suppression of dissent came at a heavy human cost, with 138 deaths recorded between January 2020 and December 2025. Protests over the past five years were largely driven by major national crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, tense election periods, rising femicide cases, and contentious budget proposals that triggered waves of demonstrations. Economic freedom emerged as the leading cause of protests, accounting for 452 cases, followed by political freedom with 361 and environmental freedom with 101. Interestingly, the report notes that Kenyans are increasingly protesting not over who is in power, but over what those in power are failing to do. Data from the report shows that many Kenyan protesters are directing their anger at national leaders. County governments also face growing criticism, showing that devolved administrations are increasingly under public pressure. Police and security agencies are also frequent targets of protests, as concerns over brutality, impunity, and excessive force continue to erode public trust. Private companies and foreign actors are increasingly being criticized as well, with many Kenyans expressing frustration over exploitative practices and deals they feel exclude ordinary citizens.