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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Hawkers brave downpour to earn a quick buck on Jubilee celebrations

News

By MACHARIA KAMAU | Dec 13, 2013

Vendors doing business during the Jubilee celebrations at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. [PHOTO: LILLIAN KIARIE/

By MACHARIA KAMAU

Livingstone Mwangi braved the early morning cold and rains yesterday to be in Kamukunji at 4.30am where he collected hundreds of miniature Kenyan flags that he would later sell to Kenyans attending the 50th Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. He was among the hundreds of traders that cashed in on the celebrations yesterday, selling just about anything and everything, with the common factor being the colours of the national flag.

Other than the miniature flags, other items ranged from scarfs, headwear and toys to bracelets, eyewear and other accessories, all bearing the red, black and green.

These were in addition to those vending basic items like water, soft drinks, fruits and fruits salads as well as services like face painting and transport (mostly boda boda) services. The made in China flags – as were many of the products being sold outside Kasarani – selling at anything between Sh50 and Sh200 depending on size and the customers’ bargaining power were easily the most traded commodities in and around the Kasarani stadium.

Second batch

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Many of the traders having run out of items early in the morning had to go back for a second batch.

“Business was good today. I was able to sell out the flags that I bought in the morning even before noon. If time allows, I will figure out what else I can sell to the crowds when they are walking out of the stadium,” said Mwangi.

He took time off from a shop he runs in Nairobi’s Eastlands, knowing that the margin he would make during the celebrations would be better than what he gets from the shop on a daily basis.

Mary Wambui – who was also vending miniature flags, scarfs and other products that bore the colours of the national flag – said that while there were many traders selling similar items and hence undercutting each other, she was still able to make a decent margin.

Celebrating Kenya

“As with any other business, you have to be discerning and anticipate the needs of the customers. Today people are celebrating Kenya and I new that the flag would be a hit with many,” said Mary Wambui, who was also vending the miniature flags.

Peter Akoth who was doing face painting for children as well as adults noted that while business boomed, he had to do it in a rushed manner, sometimes leaving the customers unsatisfied.

“It is at times rude when you accost someone on the street and ask them to buy your products or services. It would be good if the authorities considered setting aside a place during the national celebrations where the traders can be centralised,” said Akoth.

She said this could enable one to offer better services and rates.