Thousands flock Eastleigh for Jamhuri Day shopping

By Abdirahman Khalif
Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Kenya's celebration of Jamuhuri Day witnessed an influx of shoppers in Eastleigh, as Kenyans thronged the busy streets to buy goods for the upcoming festive season.

Kenya's celebration of Jamuhuri Day witnessed an influx of shoppers in Eastleigh, as Kenyans thronged the busy streets to buy goods for the upcoming festive season.

The streets of Eastleigh swelled with shoppers as early as 10am, creating heavy traffic jams on major highways leading to the area.

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The huge turnout prompted some public service vehicles to exceed their passenger capacities due to the limited transport available to ferry people to Eastleigh during this festive season.

For many like Wanjiru Njoki, the appeal of Eastleigh lies in its affordability compared to other shopping areas.

"Eastleigh is cheap; I always come here to do my shopping," she expressed, highlighting the attraction this locality holds for budget-conscious consumers.

The closure of shops in the Nairobi CBD and other areas to commemorate Jamhuri Day also contributed to the surge in Eastleigh's foot traffic.

Busy Eastleigh streets as shoppers throng malls for early Christmas shopping.

According to Mohamed Abdi, a shop owner in the area, the high volume of customers has left business owners overwhelmed. "We get exhausted by the evening. We are glad Kenyans are coming here to shop for Christmas," Abdi mentioned.

Mohamed Adan, CEO of the Eastleigh business community, regarded this surge as a typical occurrence in December. He emphasised the significant contribution these shopping sprees make to the government's coffers through taxes.

"Thousands and thousands of Kenyans visited Eastleigh today, but it's normal in December. The government is making millions in taxes," Adan remarked, shedding light on the economic impact of this seasonal shopping fervor.

Victor Mambo, a first-time visitor to Eastleigh, expressed surprise at the massive turnout. "Eastleigh is beautiful and friendly; that's what's bringing Kenyans here," he remarked, capturing the allure of the area beyond its affordability.

A brief inspection by Eastleigh Voice revealed the closure of some shops in the CBD, possibly contributing to the increased traffic in Eastleigh.

(Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

As the day marked a significant milestone in Kenya's history, it also set the stage for a bustling shopping for the festive season. The overwhelming turnout in Eastleigh showcased not just a shopping spree but a collective celebration and preparation for the upcoming Christmas festivities.

With shoppers enjoying the affordability and variety Eastleigh offers, the area remains a hotspot for festive purchases, contributing substantially to the local economy and tax revenue for the government.