Eastleigh traders count losses as Yusuf Haji Road remains in darkness
The traders have called on the Nairobi City County to act quickly to restore the street lights and ensure safety in the area. They say that the lights are essential not only for business but also for the security of everyone who uses the road at night.
A section of Yusuf Haji Road, formerly known as First Avenue in Eastleigh, Nairobi, has remained in darkness for more than ten days after street lights along the busy stretch stopped working.
The failure has affected both traders and hawkers who rely heavily on evening business for their daily income.
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The road, located at the centre of Eastleigh’s commercial area, hosts more than half of the 88 shopping malls in the neighbourhood. It serves as a key trading route for hundreds of informal vendors who depend on the evening rush to make sales.
Normally, the street comes alive after sunset, with traders displaying their goods and customers moving from one stall to another. However, the ongoing blackout has forced many to close early and has reduced customer traffic significantly.
Hawkers and traders operating along the affected section say the darkness has made business difficult and unsafe.
Many blame the Nairobi City County for what they describe as neglect and failure to address the issue despite several complaints. They say the lack of lighting has not only slowed business but also created fear among both sellers and buyers.
Speaking to Eastleigh Voice, Yunis Abdullahi, a 25-year-old vendor who sells shirts and trousers near Amal Shopping Mall, said his business has suffered since the lights went off. He explained that customers are now hesitant to buy clothes in the dark because they cannot properly see what they are paying for.
“People are afraid they might end up buying something of poor quality,” Yunis said. “Nobody likes buying something they cannot see. Others would have bought after seeing the quality from far, but that does not happen now.”
Yunis added that he has been forced to close earlier than usual because the street is no longer safe after sunset. He said that before the blackout, he could trade until past midnight, but now he has to leave by 11 pm.
A few metres from his stall, Fardosa Hussein, who sells women’s clothing, shared similar concerns. She said that visibility has become a major challenge for both traders and buyers.
“We need urgent intervention by the relevant authorities. It's becoming difficult to conduct business,” she said.
Other traders expressed worry that the darkness could lead to insecurity, as the absence of light creates an environment where criminal activity could easily occur.
They fear that petty thieves might take advantage of the situation to steal from traders or customers.
The traders have called on the Nairobi City County to act quickly to restore the street lights and ensure safety in the area. They say that the lights are essential not only for business but also for the security of everyone who uses the road at night.
For now, part of Yusuf Haji Road remains dark and quiet long before midnight, a sharp contrast to the vibrant night market that once defined Eastleigh’s evenings.
Until the lights are restored, traders say they can only count their losses and hope for action from the authorities.
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