Eastleigh comes alive with festive spirit as residents gear up for Eid-Ul-Adha amid tough economy
In Eastleigh, mothers are seen guiding their children through crowded malls and shopping streets as they search for the perfect outfits for the Eid celebration.
Eastleigh is abuzz with festive energy as thousands of residents flock to over 80 bustling malls, shopping for clothes, shoes, food, and other essentials ahead of Eid-Ul-Adha, the major Islamic holiday set to be celebrated on Friday, June 6.
Eid-Ul-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, falls on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has already gazetted the day as a public holiday across Kenya.
In Eastleigh, mothers are seen guiding their children through crowded malls and shopping streets as they search for the perfect outfits for the Eid celebration.
However, several business owners have reported that consumer purchasing power appears to have declined significantly compared to the last Eid, which was celebrated just two months ago.
Economic hardships
Many traders who spoke to The Eastleigh Voice attributed the drop in sales to the ongoing economic hardships affecting most families.
Others believe the reduced shopping activity is due to the proximity of the two Eids this year.
Adafow Shubaye Ali, who sells traditional Islamic clothing such as Qamiis and thobes at Sakiina Mall along 6th Street, said his sales have not matched the volume he witnessed during the last Eid.
He noted that many residents appear to be prioritising the purchase of sacrificial animals over clothing.
"This is the Eid of sacrifice. Many people prefer buying a goat to sacrifice on Eid day rather than buying new clothes. Last Eid, I sold thousands of Qamiis. This time, that has not happened," he said.
Adafow Shubaye Ali who sells traditional Islamic clothing such as Qamiis and thobes at Sakiina Mall in Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Food sales
A spot check conducted by The Eastleigh Voice found that while clothing shops are experiencing slower sales, food wholesalers are crowded with customers.
Residents are stocking up on essential food items such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, and wheat flour in preparation for the Eid meals.
Eastleigh’s tradition of sharing sweet desserts during celebrations has boosted business for snack vendors, with shops selling Somali delicacies like halwa seeing a surge in customers.
Mohamed Abdirahman Mohamed, who runs the Bay and Bakool Halwa shop on 8th Street, confirmed a steady rise in customer visits over the past several days.
"Unlike the last Eid, where the date depended on the sighting of the Shawwal moon and was confirmed at the last minute, people have known this Eid date 10 days in advance. This has helped them prepare early," he said.
"Our people love sweets, and Halwa is one of the favourites. Hundreds of people have come here every day in the last few days," he added.
Beauty shops
Cosmetic stores are also seeing increased foot traffic. Women and girls have been frequenting beauty shops to prepare for the celebrations.
"You can see my shop is full, all these girls want to look their best on Eid day. Business is booming," said Khadra Abdilatif, a cosmetic store owner in Eastleigh.
Despite the increased prices of some goods, some residents are determined to celebrate as best they can.
Mukhtar Mohamed, a father of one and local trader, said he has already done his shopping for his family.
"Prices are high, but I am ready for the big day. I have shopped for my wife and me, may it be a blessed Eid. My family and I are ready to celebrate with the Muslim world," he said.
On Thursday, June 5, which corresponds to the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca are expected to observe a day of fasting.
This fast, observed on the Day of Arafah, is believed to bring spiritual benefits, including forgiveness of sins committed in the past and future years.
Muslim residents in Eastleigh and across the country will perform the special Eid prayers early on Friday morning. This early prayer schedule allows sufficient time for the ritual animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani, which marks the central act of worship on Eid-Ul-Adha.
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