Kenyatta Market (KM): The Go-To Place For University Students

The popular Kenyatta Market is no ordinary shopping and entertainment area. Christened “KM” by students at the bordering Kenyatta University, the area offers a lifeline to many, with basic commodities on the lower side for years. It has since gained reputation as one of the cheapest place to live in Nairobi.

Dotted with shops of varying merchandise, the market which slowly turned into a settlement area for the majority of the students boasts of its ‘micro-economy’ in total contrast to neighboring Kahawa Sukari, Kahawa Wendani, and estates along the Bypass.

James Omariba who has runs a restaurant in the market, says the last five years have been fulfilling. “Our goal is to not only do business but also accommodate the students,” he tells Citizen Digital. For instance, a meal at the market costs between Ksh40 and Ksh150 shillings with services like photocopying and printing starting from as low as 50 cents a page to two shillings.

The market has grown in popularity, a factor that has attracted outsiders who also seek accommodation at KM.
A single room at the market will start from as low as Ksh2000 with a one-bedroom going for Ksh3500 to Ksh5000 depending on the house.

On her part, Mary Odhiambo a third-year Economics student at the university narrates how life has been bearable- thanks to the market. ‘’The market is everything. I eat, get my assignments typed, do my shopping and sometimes come here for entertainment over the weekend,’’she tells us.

KM has also offered a business opportunity to some of the graduating students. Some have gone back to provide services such as printing, and photocopying, application for government documents among many other core needs. The ever-busy market streets are full of merchants marketing their services in a chorus, with majority of them offering discounts in a bid to attract more customers to their shops.

Kevin Mose, a student at the university, explains how he is never worried about his finances. Mose says, Ksh1500 as pocket money carries him through the month. “There is no stress at KM. We enjoy ourselves and appreciate the local business community for alleviating suffering among students,” he said.

Despite its economic relevance, KM has however come under heavy scrutiny over insecurity issues. This has been attributed to an influx of people- both good and bad in equal measure. Locals have now appealed to the authorities to help address the growing insecurity in the area.