(ELDORET, KENYA) – Hotels, Airbnb apartments, restaurants, taxi operators and traders in Eldoret have reported a sharp rise in business as visitors arrive for Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
The arrival of government officials, corporate delegations and other guests has increased demand for accommodation, food, transport and other services, allowing businesses to raise earnings.
Edward Ambwere, who shines shoes along the Eldoret-Iten road, said customer numbers have risen compared with normal days.
“Business is very good right now. Because of the many visitors arriving in the city, we are getting more customers than usual,” he said on Monday.
Agnes Chemwelo, a food vendor near the Silverline Hotel on the Eldoret-Kapsabet road, said the celebrations had raised sales.
“We are benefiting greatly from these celebrations. As customers increase, our sales increase too, and this is a blessing for small traders who depend on daily income,” she said.
Vegetable sellers are also gaining. Mildred Jepkoech, who runs a vegetable shop near Kipchoge Keino Stadium, said hotels and restaurants are buying goods in bulk.
“Business has changed completely for the better in the past few days. Demand for vegetables has increased and we are selling our goods faster than usual,” she said.
The accommodation sector is also benefiting, with hotels reporting increased bookings. Absalom Chavera, manager of a hotel in the city, said rooms began filling up last week, mainly because of guests attending the celebrations.
Eka, Boma Inn, Sirikwa and Queens hotels have also received guests, with Eka fully booked since the start of October.
Taxi operators and other transport businesses are expected to gain from visitors travelling between hotels, the stadium and other parts of the city, while security has been strengthened.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan said security officers have been deployed in the city and its outskirts to protect residents and visitors before, during and after the celebrations.
Uasin Gishu County is also using the event to promote its tourism attractions, including Kesses Dam, Sosiani falls, Koromosho Falls and the Eldoret Arboretum.