I have had the opportunity to trade my wares at Athi River main market in Machakos County and, as a writer, I have noticed the following things about it:
1. Two market days
Athi River main market has two market days; on Tuesday and on Saturday. Saturday is a major market day while Tuesday is minor market day.
2. 9 am
Generally, the market opens at 9 am and run till late in the night. However, as a trader, you need to go as early as 7 am to arrange your wares. Customers will start streaming in at around 9 am.Some customers come as early as 7.30 am to get the best out of the market. Among those who come as early as 7 am include retailers who come to get fresh vegetables, fruits and Mitumba clothes at cheaper prices for resale.
3. Traders kind hearted
Another thing I have come to realize about Athi River main market traders is that they are kind hearted. Especially those in the open air market. The first time I went there to get there, I thought it would be very difficult for me to get trading space but my negative thoughts were proved wrong. The traders there have this habit of welcoming new members by squeezing for them trading space, however tiny. They have this slogan that,”Wacha kila mtu apate kitu.” (Let everyone get something).
4. All walks of lives
Athi River main market is a very popular market. On Saturdays, Kenyans from all walks of life converge there to either sell or buy. Traders come from as far as Mlolongo town,Machakos town,Kajiado and Kinanie.The only negative thing about the market that I observed is that the sheltered stalls are very few.Many traders operate in the open and they have to endure hot sun. When it rains,they have to cover their wares and count loses for the entire period of the rain. Sometimes they are caught unawares by the rain and they end up with spoiled goods.
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