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Njiru market in Kasarani sub-county has remained a clutter of gloomy, feeble makeshift stalls for over 20 years. It never grows.
Many claim the market was cursed as others blame the stunted growth on ‘anti-development’ locals.
The market sits on a road reserve at Njiru shopping centre with slightly over 100 traders dealing with farm produce and food kiosks. This however is not your average market.
“Those who came here over 10 years ago group together, then there are those who are barely five years old here. Then we have newcomers who are mostly lone rangers. You can stay for a week without exchanging greetings with a trader next to you. It is a weird market,” a trader told The Nairobian.
“We specialise in what we sell. If you sell onions then decide to introduce cabbages, your goose is cooked and you wouldn’t go far. They don’t entertain competition,” she added.
“For two years, I have been here, but none of my colleagues has asked me for help, even when they are mourning. I am perceived as a stranger,” said another trader.
Nairobi nominated MCA Karen Wanjiku who hawked here for a decade said: “They claim the name ‘Njiru, ‘which means ‘something dark,’ is to blame for poor growth of the market and as well as the area itself,” said Wanjiku.
Charles Nderitu, one of the first traders however dismissed witchcraft claims, instead blaming the stunted growth on the limited space and poor attitude by traders.
