Rain Rush: Nairobi Hawkers Turn Rain Chaos into Cash

As the rains continue to pound Nairobi – traders are taking advantage of every drop to bulk their purses.

The wet weather has seen a rise in the demand for wet weather gear; gumboots, wool sweaters, down jackets, waterproof boots, gloves and other paraphernalia meant to keep the body dry and warm.

Many residents of Nairobi say they had long forgotten to stock their wardrobes with wet weather clothing – choosing instead to stock light wears to survive the recent hot temperatures.

Victory Mwende, a hawker in the Central Business District, told Wananchi Reporting that business has been good this past week.

“I used to sell water bottles, key holders and open shoes, but not anymore, at least not at the moment. I am currently stocking jackets and umbrellas. This is what is selling at the moment,” says Mwende.

Mwende says that she is making a lot more money selling wet-weather clothes because of the rising demand.

On his part, William Otieno, a resident of Kibera, only sells gloves and cold-weather socks in the CBD. Initially, he used to hawk stationery on the streets; pens, notebooks and small card holders.

“Many people are already selling jackets, umbrellas and other common goods, but I am picking this small area because there is not much competition,” Otieno told Wananchi Reporting.

Traders in Nairobi believe that it would be unwise, at the moment, to stock lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable natural fibers like linen, known to promote sweat evaporation and airflow to the body.

Genevieve Nanjala, a resident of Pipeline says she has had to buy a lot of warm clothings for her school-going children and family.

“I am encouraging parents whose children go to school very early in the morning to dress them appropriately. This wet weather can affect children,” says Nanjala, a mother of three children.

Residents of Nairobi have been asked to keep warm; layering properly; wearing warm clothes, hats, scarves and mittens, especially when outside.

At home, remember to close your curtains to trap heat, and where possible, use draught excluders for doors and windows.

In instances of extreme cold, it wouldn’t hurt to use hot water bottles.

Also, move around every few hours to keep circulation going, and eat some hot meals, and drink something warm.