Exploring new horizons: What upcountry visitors say about shopping at Eastleigh

In what is now recognised as a noticeable trend or a repeated ritual in the country, the movement of people from upcountry to the cities to reconnect with family members is always in the offing.

Amidst the increasingly growing trend, the interest of exploring unique shopping landscapes of the city consequently keeps increasing.

A recent Kenya domestic tourism survey by the Tourism Research Institute reveals that an increasing number of travellers are prioritising retail experiences when visiting unfamiliar destinations, seeking out local markets, boutique shops and exclusive stores to immerse themselves in the city's culture and lifestyle.

The trend is largely driven by a desire for authentic experiences that reflect the character of a certain city.

In Nairobi, there are two main shopping centres most people often seek for their shopping experience upon visitation, these are Gikomba and the Eastleigh Business District Area.

With a focus on the Eastleigh market, Kenya's largest business district, The Eastleigh Voice spoke to a number of people who had the privilege to shop at the market during their visit to the city.

The survey sought to highlight their general experience of shopping at the district in line with their expectations stemming from the hear-says.

Agnes Nzakwa - Meru

Shopping at Eastleigh was a delightful experience that offered me the thrill of discovering new items and the joy of finding great deals.

Among the pleasures of shopping at the market was the opportunity to explore different stores, from quaint boutiques to large malls, each filled with a variety of unique products from shoes to bags, clothes both baby and adult fits.

A view of the Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/File/EV)

Moreover, the satisfaction of purchasing something you've been eyeing for a while and getting it the way you pictured without the situation of what you ordered vs what you got brings about excitement, and bringing a sense of accomplishment and joy.

However, shopping in such a crowded place can be a bit of a tussle.

Further, insecurity is a concern. On the tour day, my tour guide repeatedly cautioned me not to receive any phone call for the fear that the phone might be snatched by the eagle-eyed thieves.

Interestingly, shopping at Eastleigh might get you overspending beyond planned budgeting as it is easy to get carried away with impulse buys.

The environmental impact of excessive consumption and waste also weighs heavily, leading to mixed feelings about the entire experience.

John Nakhuva - Kakamega

The clothes were affordable and of good quality.

I was spoilt for choice on whatever commodity I sought as there are varieties.

However, among the downplays that stood out for me were disorderly congestion and the mismanagement of litter along some streets.

Shalline Mukholi - Mombasa

From my experience, I would tell other new shoppers touring the place that when negotiating the prices, one should experience patience.

The sellers act as if they are not willing to sell at some stage of the price negotiations, but one should be patient and focused on closing the deal, the traders are dynamically tough.

Commodity prices are highly flexible.

Don't purchase one piece, the traders really value wholesale, if you go alone at least buy two things in the same category or go with a friend and divide purchases.

Interesting! Be keen, especially with your phone.

Muhavi Garnet - Mumias

Some business owners in the business district are not that welcoming, they don't offer room for price negotiations.

As much as their products are affordable and of good quality, there needs to be a negotiation between the seller and the buyer as it cultivates business relationships.

Eastleigh is very congested with so many buyers and vendors with my worry being the susceptibility to airborne diseases and high theft cases of personal items such as mobile phones.

Wangila Samuel - Bungoma

One thing that stood out for me is the ease of getting any kind of commodity even without knowing the exact location to find it.

The friendly environment in the business district makes it easy for traders to do referrals and others are willing to direct you in person to the destined shop or mall.

Barnabas Etiang - Kitale

Eastleigh has always been my first choice shopping centre whenever I visit the City.

The malls have been arranged in a manner that makes it easy for potential buyer to get what they need.

For instance, one mall will have a majority of traders selling kitchenware while another mall will have furniture traders as the majority.

The systematic arrangement always makes it easy moving around.