Eastleigh transforms into 24-hour economy as businesses adapt to increased night activities
This shift has become more noticeable in the past six days, coinciding with the last 10 days of Ramadan, when Muslims engage in Tahajjud prayers starting at 2 am.
It is 2 am on Wednesday in Eastleigh, and despite the heavy rain that has been falling for the past two hours, the streets remain busy.
People are seen moving up and down, running different errands along major roads. Some are heading to mosques for prayers, while others are navigating the streets for various personal activities. At the same time, numerous businesses remain open, serving customers who are still active at this hour.
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Along Yusuf Haji Avenue, hawkers selling snacks and other food items continue operating, showing no signs of closing. On 13th Street, women selling camel milk are busy attending to customers who are purchasing the milk.
Bodaboda operators have parked their motorcycles in large numbers, waiting for passengers. Their high number indicates that the demand for transport services is high. Their presence is particularly visible along Second Avenue and General Wariungi Street.
Religious activities are ongoing. Several mosques, which have grown in number over the years—many located within major buildings—are broadcasting Quran recitations through their loudspeakers. Worshippers are seen entering and leaving mosques as they engage in Tahajjud prayers.
Small eateries in Eastleigh's Shah Macaan area , Eastleigh, also work throughout the night during the last days of Ramadan. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Restaurants, including Curubo, Rawda, Toronto, and Favourite, remain open. Customers are actively dining, taking advantage of the availability of meals at this hour.
In the Shah Maan area, small eateries continue to operate, with women running them seen preparing and serving food.
“I am making tea because it is in high demand at this hour. People do not want to sleep while praying, and tea helps keep them awake. The weather is also cold,” says Abdiqani Ahmed, a barrister working at one of the eateries in this area.
Business Bay Square Mall, the largest shopping complex in East and Central Africa, is also active. People are seen entering and exiting the mall as late as 4 am. Some businesses inside the mall operate throughout the night, catering to customers who prefer shopping at these hours. The big mosque in this mall is also full of believers taking part in Tahajjud.
Restaurants such as Curubo Hotel in Eastleigh work 24 hours to take advantage of the high number of movement during the night. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Eastleigh has now transformed into a 24-hour economy, with businesses adapting to the changing patterns of movement and demand. This shift has become more noticeable in the past six days, coinciding with the last 10 days of Ramadan, when Muslims engage in Tahajjud prayers starting at 2 am. The increased number of people on the streets at night has encouraged many businesses to remain open to serve them.
The religious routine during the last 10 days of the holy month follows a structured schedule.
After breaking their fast at 7 pm, many people head to mosques for Isha prayers at 8 pm, followed by Taraweeh prayers, which last until around 10 pm. After a short rest, worshippers return to mosques for Tahajjud prayers at 1.30 am, continuing until 4 am. This is followed by Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and then Fajr prayers at 5 am, concluding at 6 am.
This continuous cycle of prayer has contributed to the rise in nighttime economic activity.
During the day, from 8 am, while restaurants and eateries close till evening hours, other businesses open to serve customers.
A barrister brews tea at one of the eateries in Eastleigh's Shah Ma'aan area at 2am on March 26, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
With Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations just four days away, thousands of people are shopping for clothes and other items in preparation for the holiday. The shopping activity continues throughout the day, and as night falls, religious observances take priority.
However, businesses continue to operate, taking advantage of the high demand.
Eastleigh’s transformation into a 24-hour business district shows how religious and economic activities influence each other. The increased movement of people at night has created opportunities for traders, transport operators, and food vendors, many of whom have adjusted their schedules to accommodate the shift in demand.
As the final days of Ramadan approach, Eastleigh remains a hub of activity, both for worship and business.
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