Having grown up in Nakuru, I have had the privilege of witnessing its evolution to what it is today.
Believe it or not, there was once a time when traffic jams and congestion on pavements were only stories of visits to the big city, Nairobi.
We are not yet quite up to city standards, but we are fast catching up.
A few years ago, there weren’t as many buildings as there are today, and up until recently, the likes of Pinkam and C.K Patel were the major buildings around.
Supermarkets too were scarce with the likes of Gilanis, Uchumi and Tusker Mattresses, being the big kahunas then.
Banks were even scarcer, with KCB, being the major banker around.
All these had only single branches in town, but not anymore.
From supermarkets to banks, we now have them in excess with a majority having multiple outlets.
Supermarkets such as Tuskys and Woolmart have two branches in town with the former having others without town as well.
Banks too have not been left behind. Equity and KCB have a few branches within town with their ATMs scattered around as well.
It is no brainer why we were ranked the fastest growing town in Africa.
Everyday, new buildings are unveiled, Rihab Mart located next to Eagle Palace suites being the latest, and numerous others under construction or still in the proposed stages.
An example of this is the new mall set to be constructed next to Water Buck Hotel.
Like the proverbial Job of the Bible who was awarded double quantities of what he had, Nakuru too has had a double, if not triple portion reward.
If you see a new branch in town, best believe an outlet is around the corner.