Road closures around the collapsed building in Eastleigh have reduced the number of daily trips for some motorists by about half, compelling drivers to travel longer distances and consume more fuel.

Operators on the South C–Eastleigh corridor report a decline from roughly eight trips per day to four, attributing the drop to fewer passengers and longer waiting times.

Motorist Timothy Nduku said that closures on both sides of the site forced detours, increasing fuel consumption at a time when business is already sluggish.

Nduku added that higher fuel expenses and the reduced number of passengers leave drivers with little profit after covering daily operating costs.

Jacob Omondi, whose stage lies within the barricaded zone, said the restrictions prevent him from reaching certain destinations, forcing him to explain delays to passengers.

Gadaffi Ali, who transports customers from other parts of Nairobi to Eastleigh, has cut his passenger load from eight to four, noting a sharp decline in income and difficulty meeting family expenses.

Traders in the affected streets report fewer customers as shoppers avoid the blocked routes, further reducing demand for transport services.

Motorists are urging authorities to create safe access routes that would allow movement without compromising the ongoing rescue operation, now in its sixth day.

The prolonged restrictions have extended the economic impact of the collapse beyond the immediate rescue zone, affecting workers and businesses in surrounding neighborhoods.