The activists were intercepted by anti-riot police as they tried to march towards the summit venue, leading to a tense standoff that briefly disrupted movement in the city centre.
According to video footage seen by People Daily Digital, the group some of them carrying placards and chanting slogans—was stopped before reaching the venue.
Police then lobbed teargas to disperse the gathering as officers moved swiftly to restore order.
Several protesters were bundled into police vehicles during the operation as law enforcement officers cleared the area.
The confrontation caused a temporary disruption of traffic along Uhuru Highway, with roads leading to the KICC blocked for a short period.
Some of the messages displayed on the activists’ banners read: “Nairobi Erupts, resist French colonialism” and “Stop the imperialists’ drive to war.”
The slogans reflected the group’s broader political messaging, which appeared directed at global economic and political systems discussed within the summit.
The activists, among them foreign nationals, had assembled near Uhuru Highway earlier in the day before police moved in to prevent them from advancing towards the high-level international meeting.
Security officers maintained a heavy presence around the KICC precinct as delegates continued with the Africa Forward Summit discussions inside the venue.
The summit has been attracting regional and international participants focusing on development, investment, governance, and Africa’s economic future.
Police acted swiftly to contain the situation, citing the need to maintain order and ensure the smooth running of the event.
Normalcy was later restored along Uhuru Highway after the dispersal operation, although traffic delays were reported for a short period.
Eyewitnesses described moments of confusion as the confrontation unfolded, with commuters and motorists caught up in the sudden roadblocks and security response.
The Africa Forward Summit is one of the high-profile gatherings currently taking place in Nairobi, drawing policymakers, business leaders, and civil society actors from across the continent and beyond. Security has been heightened around key venues hosting the event.