Traders on Wednesday enjoyed brisk business as families flocked the lakeside town of Kisumu in last minute shopping ahead of Christmas festivities today.
Supermarkets, open air markets, eateries and retreat joints attracted hundreds of customers looking for fast-moving goods, new wares and family leisure.
Hawkers cut their share of the cake with their roadside merchandise attracting the heavy foot traffic witnessed.
Increased spending was evidenced by long queues in banks, ATMs, and mobile money transfer service providers as merry-makers sought extra cash.
Leading retailer chains like Nakumatt, Naivas, Tuskeys and Uchumi had shoppers throng their premises for household goods.
Shoppers were enticed with discount offers and other promotion techniques that included cash winnings within the festivities period.
The transport industry pocketed triple returns from the large number of travellers. Fares easily soared to almost double normal prices as demand outstripped supply.
Shem Ochwodho, chairman of K2BU Sacco that plies Kisumu-Bondo route said “although fuel prices were favourable, prices were hiked because demand was too high.”
The Kisumu bus park was packed with people heading to and leaving various western Kenya destinations from other places from other regions to join their families for Christmas.
Eateries and retreat joints were awash with activities as families toured the lakeside city together.
Most visited was the Impala Sanctuary where merry-makers went to see animals, camp, go for nature walks, and enjoy boat rides on Lake Victoria.
Fish bandas along the lake were full and served fresh fish clients.
Grocers were not left behind. Demand for fresh greens saw buyers mill at the fresh produce markets across the town. Prices fell as supply was doubled.
Chicken and goats were a hot cake. Tender cockerels went for as high as Sh800 while goats easily fetched up to Sh 8, 000.