Eastleigh's evening snack trade creates jobs for hundreds of women

In the streets of Eastleigh, Nairobi, a vibrant new trend has emerged over the past few months where young women set up along the streets with trolleys overflowing with Somali snacks like Nafaqo, Samosas, and Bur as evening falls.

These affordable treats have rapidly gained popularity, turning the area into a bustling street food market.

Nafaqo, a popular item among the offerings, is made from boiled potatoes mixed with eggs, coated in coloured wheat flour, and deep-fried.

But the favourite for many consumers is a doughnut prepared with eggs and wheat flour, then deep-fried. These snacks are often served with a tangy concoction of tamarind juice mixed with green pepper. The affordability of these snacks, typically sold at around Ksh20 per piece, has made them a hit among the locals. 

More female vendors

The increase in snack trolleys is striking, with nearly every street in Eastleigh hosting two to three vendors. This surge is primarily driven by young women who have faced challenges in finding employment.

While women dominate this trade, a few young men have also joined the ranks of snack vendors. 

The business requires minimal capital and utilises readily available public spaces, making it an accessible venture for many.

Bishara Ali, who has been in the snack business for the past year, highlights the opportunities it has created, noting that it has provided her with a steady source of income.

A view of Eastleigh's Jam Street.(Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"I was jobless and helpless before a friend introduced me to this job. I have never looked back," said Bishara.

Operating her trolley on the busy Athumani Kipande Road, Bishara starts her day early, preparing her snacks before heading to her spot on Jam Street by 3:30 pm. Her working hours vary based on sales, sometimes staying until 7 pm or as late as 10 pm to ensure all her goods are sold.

This consistent flow of potential customers along the route provides a steady market for the vendors.

Saadiya Hussein, a mother of two, has been supporting her family through this business for the past two years. After her divorce, she turned to snack vending when her former husband failed to provide for their children.

"I have been doing it for two years now. It's not that bad," said Saadiya. On a good day, she can earn up to Ksh1,500 if all her snacks are sold.

However, some days are slow, and she returns home with unsold snacks, which she feeds her children.

"When they remain, I eat and feed them to my children instead of wasting them," she explained.

Saadiya mentioned that most of her customers are women and young ladies, with school-going children also frequently buying snacks.

Despite the challenges, the snack vendors have found ways to give back. Some distribute unsold snacks to street families and security guards after 11 pm, demonstrating a sense of community and generosity.