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Heavy rains dampen business for Eastleigh hawkers

Hawkers in Eastleigh are facing losses as heavy rains disrupt their daily operations, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 29 Apr 2024

The situation worsens when heavy rains lead to flooding, effectively shutting down all businesses in the area, including established shops.

Hawkers in Eastleigh are facing losses as heavy rains disrupt their daily operations, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

Usually, these hawkers are only allowed to sell their goods on the streets from 5 pm onwards, with morning hours being illegal for hawkers to be on the streets.

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However, the beginning of rain during their prime selling hours in the last few days has thrown a wrench into their business plans.

With rains normally starting as early as 5 pm in the last four days and some days lasting for hours, hawkers find themselves unable to conduct business effectively.

The need to seek shelter and protect their merchandise from the downpour has hampered their ability to make sales.

Moreover, the movement of potential shoppers dwindles as people opt to stay indoors to avoid getting caught in the rain.

The situation worsens when heavy rains lead to flooding, effectively shutting down all businesses in the area, including established shops.

The normally bustling and lively commercial hub transforms into a ghost town as residents and vendors alike seek refuge from the inclement weather.

With rain showers starting as early as 5 pm, hawkers in Eastleigh find themselves unable to conduct business effectively. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Limited sales

Shukri Salat, a vendor who sells men's clothing on 9th street along Yusuf Haji Road, said he has not made any sales in the last three days due to the heavy rains.

"I don't know how, but the rains always seem to coincide with our business hours. I haven't made a sale in three days," said Shukri, highlighting the financial losses he incurred due to the rains.

"Sunday was the worst, I used my savings to rescue myself and the goods from floods."

Adan Mahad, a father of two who relies on his daily earnings, expressed his fears for the future if the rain persists.

"I have no other source of income. If this continues, I don't know how I'll provide for my family," Adan shared, echoing the concerns of many other hawkers facing uncertain times.

For some hawkers, the consequences of the rain are even more dire, as their goods are damaged and lose value.

Bisharo Mohamed who sells women's clothes which are locally known as Dirac on Jam Street recounts how her wares got damaged when she was caught in a sudden downpour on Saturday.

"They're ruined. I thank God, but they're of little value now," laments Bisharo.

Mostly it is women hawkers who incur these kinds of losses due to their slow reaction in saving their merchandise when it rains abruptly.

In response to these challenges, the hawkers are calling on Nairobi City County to allocate them better-equipped spaces that offer protection from rains.

With improved infrastructure, they hope to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions on their businesses and livelihoods.