Boost for businesses, PSVs as Kenyans make last-minute holiday preparations

Commuters at Afya Bus station stranded as they await transport upcountry on Saturday, December 24, 2022. [Samson Wire, Standard]

It is the eve of Christmas day and as is the norm, Kenyans are making last-minute preparations ahead of the festivities.

A good number of those travelling prefer to celebrate Christmas upcountry, with the most common means of transport; public means.

A spot-check of the situation by The Standard in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) revealed that commuters have had to contend with long queues as the day comes to an end.

Small business owners have also reported a boom in business owing to the last-minute culture. Barber shops, salons, supermarkets and bookshops across the city centre were frequented more than usual, with some owners having to open late into the night to cater for their customers.

The congestion at various bus stops comes a day after motorists spent several hours at Ahero on Kisumu-Kericho Road due to heavy traffic jams stretching several kilometres.

Below are some photos:

Commuters stranded at Bus Station as they await transport upcountry. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Commuters at Afya Bus station await transport upcountry. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Travellers at Afya Bus Station scramble for fewer transport spaces on Christmas Eve. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Commuters at Afya Bus Station heading to Ukambani region stranded as they await transport upcountry. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Commuters at Afya Bus Station scramble for less transport spaces on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022. [Samson Wire, Standard]

An acrobat nicknamed 'Big Man' entertains stranded passengers destined for various destinations upcountry on Christmas Eve [Samson Wire, Standard]