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Clicks, likes, share: Eastleigh's vibrant market embraces social media

Some of the sumptuous samosas posted on mama Aisha's online page

By Patel Okumu | 10 Jan 2024

In the vibrant bazaar of Eastleigh, Nairobi, where fabrics dance in the wind and commerce hums a relentless tune, a new melody is rising – the digital whisper of social media. Brick-and-mortar stalls are morphing into online havens, reaching customers far beyond the familiar faces of the bustling alleys.

In the vibrant bazaar of Eastleigh, Nairobi, where fabrics dance in the wind and commerce hums a relentless tune, a new melody is rising – the digital whisper of social media. Brick-and-mortar stalls are morphing into online havens, reaching customers far beyond the familiar faces of the bustling alleys.

Take Mama Aisha Abdi, queen of fragrant samosas and fiery chapatis. With her tech-savvy son’s help, her Facebook page showcases her steaming delights in mouthwatering photos that lure customers like moths to a flame. Jane Mwaura, resident of Kayole, exclaims, “I saw Mama Aisha’s samosas online and just had to try them! Ordering was easy, and the delivery? Piping hot perfection on my doorstep!” J’s joy Jane’s reflects the power of social media, blurring geographical lines and bringing Eastleigh’s culinary magic to new palates.

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Issa Ahmed, the ever-smiling electronics wizard, has found Instagram his playground. Gone are the dusty shelves; his feed vibrates with sleek phones and gleaming laptops, each tagged with witty captions and enticing prices. Young tech geeks, scrolling through feeds during matatu rides, find themselves drawn to Issa’s digital den, fingers itching to send an inquiry. John Njoroge, a South B tech enthusiast, admits, “Issa’s Instagram convinced me to buy online. The demos and reviews were transparent, and his responses prompt. I got a great phone deal, and the whole experience was smooth.”

Clients queuing to buy phones at J-phone in Eastleigh.

Social media isn’t just about pixels and filters; it’s about community. The “Eastleigh Bargain Hunters” group is a treasure trove of hidden gems, where locals share deals like suitcases for adventurous souls and pressure cookers for busy mamas. Shops tap into this network, offering flash sales and exclusive discounts, their virtual doors flung open to a wider audience. Wacera Muthoni, resident of Utawala, beams, “I found the perfect pressure cooker thanks to that group! A shop in Eastleigh was having a limited-time sale, and I wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for the online tip. Now, my rice cooks like a dream!”

Challenges remain. Not everyone in Eastleigh is tech-savvy, and internet access can be a hurdle. But the tide is turning. Community centers like Kamukunji Innovation Hub, established in Kamukunji Constituency, offers digital literacy workshops, bridging the gap and empowering locals to navigate the online world.

So, as you wander through Eastleigh’s vibrant alleys, listen not just to the shouts of vendors but also to the digital echo. See beyond the well-stocked stalls and notice the screens flickering in corners, telling stories, sharing deals, and building communities. In the age of hashtags and likes, even the oldest bazaars are learning a new beat, proving that in the marketplace of ideas, location is no longer everything. It’s the connection, the story, the virtual smile that truly attracts.