– In the wake of violent protests that saw businesses looted and vandalised, a Nairobi businesswoman has taken matters into her own hands to protect what’s left of her livelihood.

Rachel Blessing, who runs Nextlevel Communication, was among the traders affected when vandals struck during recent demonstrations.

She told that she lost millions in stock when mobile phones and accessories from her shop located inside the Quickmart OTC supermarket were robbed.

“They took everything,” she started. “Our entire stock was looted during the earlier protest.”

But instead of retreating in fear, the resilient entrepreneur chose to stand her ground and learn from her past mistakes.

In a show of resilience and community spirit, she joined the building’s security team to help guard the premises from further attacks.

“I supported our security team by feeding them and keeping vigil with them because it was a cold morning,” she recounted.

She added that they decided to join hands and work with the police in securing their businesses, and it was successful.

The collaboration between traders, security guards, and police officers helped deter additional attacks, offering a sense of safety amid uncertainty.

Other shop owners in the area lauded the businesswoman's courage, saying her actions inspired a spirit of unity and responsibility among tenants.

As tensions continue to simmer across the country, business owners like Rachel are calling for peace, protection of property, and dialogue over destruction.

Her story is a testament to the resilience of small business owners who refuse to be broken by unrest, choosing instead to stand guard, both literally and symbolically, over their dreams.

Every time Gen Z riots break out, business owners report significant losses as protesters battle with police and looters strike unchecked, destroying property and stealing commodities.

Apart from Rachel, another of those affected was Yvonne Otieno, who runs a shop at the Bus Station in the Central Business District.

The entrepreneur broke down and cried when she saw the burned-out remnants of what used to be her shop, with stock worth over KSh 2 million.

She revealed amid tears that she had recently lost her husband and borrowed KSh 1 million to replenish the boutique.

Having given it all her heart, her energy, and every borrowed shilling, she had turned the small shop into a successful downtown business with a devoted clientele.

Source: TUKO.co.ke