Traders in business boom as devolution meeting starts

Traders in Meru are registering booming business as delegates troop into the town for the third annual national devolution conference that starts Tuesday.

The traders who spoke to the Nation were optimistic of recording high profits during the conference that ends on Saturday.

Most of the traders have increased their stocks to avoid shortages.

A food hawker, Mr Martin Mwenda, said he took a loan of Sh20,000 to increase his stock.

"We expect more than 6,000 delegates and that means I will have many customers compared to normal days.

“I decided to apply for the loan because I did not want my customers to seek the products elsewhere," he said.

A businessman at Makutano junction, Mr Solomon Kirimi, who sells bags, shirts, jackets and dresses said he had revised his working time from the previous 8:30am – 6pm to 7am until 8pm due to high demand of his goods.

READ ALSO:Delegates at Meru devolution conference complain of exorbitant hotel charges.

REVISE WORK SCHEDULE

“Since Saturday I have had many customers in the evening asking for jackets because some of them assumed Meru is hot at night and that is the reason why I decided to revise my working hours,” he said.

He added that due to the increased number of banks around his business premises, he will ensure he attracts customers who visit the banks.

He called on delegates to discuss and find solutions to issues affecting counties like lack of proper drainage systems.

“When it rains the whole of Makutano area looks like a river. The same issue has of lately affected Mombasa County,” he said.

Ms Mary Gakii, a businesswoman from Gakoromone market said she had increased her stock hoping to get more customers because many know Meru as an agricultural county.

“I expect more buyers because many delegates know Meru as an agricultural county and they [might be interested in] buying some agricultural products to take back to their homes,” she said. 

Source: Daily Nation