Minimizing Disruption: Managing Productivity Around Kenya’s Public Holidays and Recent Protests
If you’ve been wondering how your business will continue to operate seamlessly around public holidays and during unexpected disruptions such as recent protests, you’re not alone. Kenya experiences 13–15 statutory holidays yearly, a schedule that brings unity and refreshment, but also halts essential economic activity. It is estimated that an annual GDP loss between KES 189 billion and KES 219 billion is incurred during such periods.
Coupled with unpredictable events like the recent protests, this reality demands strategic planning to safeguard operations and growth.
The Holiday Productivity Paradox
Positives of Public Holidays
Boosted consumer spending in retail, hospitality, and tourism, though often localized to urban areas.
Stimulated informal sector income, benefiting vendors, event organizers, and artisans.
❗ Downsides That Disrupt
Factory and logistics shutdowns stall production, slow supply chains, and reduce output.
Financial transaction delays occur as banks and government offices pause operations.
Rising wage costs in essential services covering holidays (e.g., hospitality, security, healthcare).
Unexpected Shocks: Recent Protest Activity
The June 2025 protests spanned 23 counties, claiming several lives, injuring many people, and causing extensive damage to businesses. Thousands of shops in Nairobi and other towns temporarily shut, disrupting revenue for firms and local governments.
According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) report in 2023, protests caused the country’s manufacturing sector to lose approximately KES 2.86 billion per day.
These disturbances reveal the urgent need for agile business continuity strategies, especially during mid-year when year-end targets loom.
Five Strategies to Minimize Operational Downtime
1. Proactive Asset Protection
When unrest is anticipated:
Relocate your most valuable stock off-site or into secure storage ahead of potential unrest to significantly reduce the risk of theft.
Strengthen your building’s defenses by installing reinforced doors, heavy-duty security shutters, and monitored alarm systems to deter and delay unauthorized entry.
2. Insurance Coverage
Ensure your insurance policy explicitly includes provisions for riot, civil commotion, and property damage, as these can safeguard your business against both physical harm and income loss in the event of unrest.
3. Digitize Core Records
If looting occurs:
Cloud-based backups of contracts, financial records, supplier and customer data safeguard your operations.
Digital trail supports insurance claims and regulatory compliance even if physical offices are compromised.
4. Business Continuity Fund
Create a dedicated reserve fund earmarked specifically for emergency situations, such as covering payroll, relocating operations temporarily, or repairing facilities, so you can respond to crises without disrupting regular cash flow.
5. Holiday & Disruption Governance Planning
Schedule holidays thoughtfully.
Establish delegation policies and define minimum coverage roles for essential services.
Communicate holiday shifts, expected downtimes, and escalation protocols to staff ahead of time.
How Company Secretaries Improve Resilience
Company secretaries, like Azali Certified Public Secretaries LLP, play a vital role by:
Drafting continuity charters outlining holiday/disruption procedures, responsibilities, and approvals.
Maintaining statutory registers through digital platforms to avoid physical loss.
Coordinating meeting schedules and filings around shutdowns, reducing compliance risks.
Advising on insurance adequacy, including optional riot disruption clauses.
Developing internal policy frameworks aligned with board-approved governance and risk management.
Sector-Specific Applications
Manufacturing & Logistics: plan pre-holiday shipments, maintain minimal guard and monitoring staff.
Financial & Professional Services: utilize digital tools (e.g., board portals, e-filing) to reduce dependency on physical offices.
Retail & Hospitality: capitalize on holiday foot traffic with targeted promotions while safeguarding cash and inventory.
SMEs & Informal Traders: use mobile money and remote communication options, supported by budget-conscious security measures.
Strategic Benefits
Operational continuity, even when Kenyan public life pauses.
Reduced financial exposure through proactive asset and continuity insurance planning.
Improved stakeholder trust, showing readiness and reliability to clients, investors, and regulators.
Strengthened governance, showcasing protocols for risk, oversight, and resilience.
Final Words
Kenya’s holiday calendar and recent disruptions, like the June protests, highlight the business imperative for preparedness. Proactive continuity, security foresight, and digital backup are not optional; they are critical. Effective governance frameworks, drafted and sustained by company secretaries, turn reactive responses into polished risk mitigation and opportunity management.
Azali Certified Public Secretaries LLP is ready to help you assess, design, and implement tailored strategies, from holiday planning to full business continuity blueprints. Contact us to ensure your operations remain resilient and your governance remains robust.
Email: admin@azali.co.ke | Call: +254 (0) 707 456 140