Eastleigh’s festive boom: Shoppers flood streets as Christmas season approaches
By Abdirahman Khalif |
As the festive season progresses, Eastleigh is expected to become even busier. While the congestion poses challenges, the economic opportunities it brings provide a welcome boost for businesses and transport operators alike.
Eastleigh is witnessing an influx of shoppers as the Christmas season draws near. Thousands of buyers, mainly wholesalers and retailers from across East African countries, are streaming into the area, aiming to stock up for the festive period.
The rising number of visitors has caused significant congestion on Yusuf Haji Avenue, with matatus ferrying shoppers contributing to the traffic jams. Other feeder roads in the area are also struggling to handle the heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
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Thousands of buyers streaming into the area, aiming to stock up for the festive period. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Residents have commented on the unique situation, noting that Eastleigh is one of the few places where both vehicle and foot traffic can grind to a halt due to the high number of people.
The crowded roads force pedestrians to navigate through tightly packed spaces, often at a slower pace than usual. Despite the challenges, the season is bringing good news to shop owners, who are benefiting from increased sales.
Mohamed Abdullahi, a clothing vendor at Amal Shopping Complex, highlighted the importance of this period for businesses.
"It's from mid-November when most shops here make good sales as people come to shop for Christmas. The traffic will get bigger in the coming weeks," he said.
Shoppers on Yusuf Haji Avenue. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Shoppers from various parts of Kenya and beyond have been drawn to Eastleigh for its competitive prices and quality goods. Stacy Maina, a retailer from Murang'a, emphasised the value of early shopping.
"It's my fourth year now. Coming early is always the best because I need to stock my shop before the beginning of December. I came with some friends too," she noted.
Elcy Nasimiyu, a shopper from Bungoma, echoed similar sentiments. She highlighted Eastleigh's reputation for quality products and reliable customer service.
"People love Eastleigh because you cannot be conned here. The goods are of good quality, and the customer relations are top-notch," she said.
Eastleigh sees a surge in shoppers with many buying wholesale goods for their businesses across East Africa. (Abdirahman Khalif)
However, not everyone is seeing the same level of activity as in previous years. Some shop owners have observed a slight decline in the number of shoppers compared to past seasons.
Abdiqani, a shoe vendor, expressed hope that the situation would improve. "This number is not even that high. Eastleigh should have been much fuller, but I think it is the state of the economy," he said.
The increased activity is also benefiting hawkers and matatu operators. Michael Mwangi, a matatu driver, reported a significant rise in the number of trips he makes daily.
"If the matatu was making three trips per day on other days, now we are making double that," he said.
As the festive season progresses, Eastleigh is expected to become even busier. While the congestion poses challenges, the economic opportunities it brings provide a welcome boost for businesses and transport operators alike.
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