The love, hate relationship between traders, UON students

By Maore Ithula

Wary of attacks by students whenever learners at the University of Nairobi go on strike, property owners and traders along University Way have developed survival tactics.

As I toured the street from Uhuru Highway/University junction to Central Police Station, I noticed a glaring similarity between the fortification of State House and the first three buildings.

The only difference is that instead of armed GSU officers, private guards man the numerous gates that welcome people into the buildings.

Beginning with the imposing Posta Sacco Plaza, the structures are secured with strong metal grills that pose a formidable challenge to the strongest of youthful villain who would be tempted to jump over and loot.

But the fortified perimeter walls that are also built around Anniversary Towers and AM-Bank House are fitted with strong doors that are easily closed and locked when need arises.

This way, says Alice who runs a boutique on Posta Sacco Plaza’s ground floor, we are secure when the ‘bad boys’ come calling.

But how does the proximity to the university affect trade along this street?

High demand

Business people along the street agree students are big spenders when they have money but when they are broke, they are menacing pests. "When students have just received loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb), we are in good business. But they are also very cunning. If one is not careful, they can fall prey to a few of them who are known shoplifters," says Alice.

On the 18th floor of the Anniversary Tower sits the offices of Helb.

Students from all public universities come here at various times of the year but there is a peak time, says John who runs another business on the ground floor of the building. "We make good profit when there is a huge traffic of students.

However, we never lower our guard. They are not good when they get agitated, which happens often," says John.

The Shell Petrol Station is perhaps the only facility that passes for a major business. It is fortified with metal grills to ward off intruders. Next is the Lilian Towers whose entrance is also designed with sufficient caution.

The wide gate is almost 50m from the road and a wide door is ready to be shut and perhaps locked by the snap of the finger.

However as we get nearer to the Central Police Station, traders and property owners start to get a little bolder.