Most businesses remained open in Kaptembwa area on Friday as traders defied the new year celebrations over what they termed as harsh economic times.
The traders argued that there was no essence of staying indoors to engage in the new year festivities only to run broke a day after.
According to Mary Muthoni a trader in second hand clothes, the difficult economic times had left her with so little to celebrate hence her decision to open business.
"Times are so bad. Commodities are so expensive and money is so little. I'd rather do some sales than stay at home because that way I wont be making any improvements on my life.
However to Jane Atieno who sells omena, her customers had promised to make purchases and she did not want to dissapoint them.
"Some of my customers told me to just remain in operation as they would come by to do some purchases, and sure enough they are have not disappointed," she said.
John Ngotho who sells cabbages also expressed his frustrations over the ever increasing cost of living saying that the cash crunch had almost rendered him broke leading him to do business even on such important days.