Business as usual in Eastleigh amid nationwide anti-Finance Bill demos
By Abdirahman Khalif |
Key outlets such as the Day to Day, Tasnim, Sunrise, Al Noor, and Bangkok malls on Mohamed Yusuf Hajii Avenue opened their doors at 9 a.m.
Most of the malls, shops, restaurants, and other businesses in Eastleigh, Nairobi, opened as usual on Tuesday as nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 intensified across the country.
Key outlets such as the Day to Day, Tasnim, Sunrise, Al Noor, and Bangkok malls on Mohamed Yusuf Hajii Avenue opened their doors at 9 a.m.
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Traders and shoppers are pictured at the Day to Day Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)
Popular restaurants, including Kilimanjaro, Curubo, Esli Hub, Silver, Al Fajri, and Cakaro, were also serving customers, most banks and food wholesalers and retailers maintained regular business hours, and electronics shops at Yare Towers were also open.
Public transportation services, particularly matatus connecting Eastleigh to the Nairobi central business district (CBD) and other areas, continued to operate without disruption.
Spot checks by The Eastleigh Voice confirmed that some schools, like New Eastleigh Primary School on Seventh Street, were open. However, attendance was sparse and headteacher Hassan Tala stated that teaching would not take place due to the demonstrations.
"The students are few and most teachers have not reported so there will be no teaching today," Hassan said.
A view of the New Eastleigh Primary School, as pictured on June 25, 2024, when learning did not take place due to the demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)
Timothy Soita, who operates a clothing shop at Sunrise Mall, shared his perspective on the bill, saying he supported it but chose to open his shop because there were no demonstrations in Eastleigh.
"I expect to make some sales today, as Eastleigh will be the only open market since businesses in the CBD are closed," he noted.
Hamza Haji, a bag seller at Social Hall Mall, also opened his shop.
"There are no demonstrations here. There is peace. That's why I opened the shop," Hamza said but expressed doubts about making substantial sales.
"My customers come from other areas, and because of the demonstrations, they might not come. I don't think I will make good sales," he said.
Traders and shoppers are pictured at the Yare Plaza in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)
Najma Abdi, a wholesaler of women's clothes, shared similar sentiments.
While she opened her shop, she was uncertain about the day's sales but remained hopeful for some business from a few customers.
"I support the demonstrations even if it means not making any sales today. It is for the common good of Kenya," she said.
Some stores, particularly electronic shops at Madina Mall, were still closed at 9 a.m., although they were expected to open later in the day.
A few men were seen shouting "Reject the Finance Bill" on Timboroa Lane in the California Ward.
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