There is an influx of 'mitumba' traders in Mlolongo town.
If you visit the town's main market on a Friday, you will not find a place to step on. Traders dealing in second-hand clothes seem to have found out a secret. Mitumba traders from Kitengela, Athi River, Nairobi and Machakos towns converge in Mlolongo every Friday.
The influx of Mitumba traders in Mlolongo has reduced prices of second-hand clothes in the town. But why Mlolongo? Why is every trader fighting to get a space in Mlolongo's main market to sell his or her wares?
The following might be the reasons:
1. Increase in population
The rate at which people inhabit Mlolongo is very high compared to the neighboring Athi River town. This surge in the population provides a ready market for cheap goods like second-hand clothes and shoes. The increase in population has also led to high demand for housing. Prices of houses in Mlolongo have sky-rocketed, compared to places like Athi River and Kitengela. Many people are moving further away from the Nairobi's city center. They are building or buying homes in the outskirts of Nairobi town such as Mlolongo thereby increasing the population.
2. Strategic position
In my opinion, the reason as to why many traders are flocking Mlolongo market could be due to the town's strategic location. Mlolongo town is located right along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, one of the busiest highways in Kenya. It is easier to access the town compared to Athi River, Kitengela and Machakos towns.
3. Friday
The market day in Mlolongo falls on a Friday. This is a day when Nairobi residents tend to spend their days outside town. You will meet many people leaving Nairobi city for neighboring towns like Mlolongo. Therefore, most people flock the Mlolongo's main market on Fridays, especially in the evening.
Traders have mastered this migration pattern hence take its advantage.