It’s Ayans blog

One of the things I love doing is shopping at any given time but when I want to shop in Eastleigh’s market area, Garissa Lodge, I have to prepare myself. I must go earlier than 12 in the noon as it gets way too crowded after that time. Garissa Lodge is loosely organized by product.

Eastleigh which is in Nairobi, Kenya is dominated by Somalis. Most of, if not all the businesses are owned by the Somali community. The businesses range from small stalls, shopping centers, night lodges, jewelry and many more. You will find other Kenyan entrepreneurs working in Eastleigh too.

The services of the tailor are very much valued in Eastleigh. Tailors have growing orders for garments including dresses, bridal gowns, suits and many more. People can choose materials and also instruct the tailors on the designs they want or pick ready made designs by tailors.

There are few Supermarkets in Eastleigh. They have almost everything we had in London supermarkets which brings benefits to local community.

Vegetables and fruits which are sold by mama mboga’s. Mama mboga literally mean “Mother of vegetables” in Swahili, but it actually means “The lady the sells vegetables”. Whoever, you may find men in this business too, please don’t call them “Mama Mboga”. Mama mbogas are local female hawkers who sell vegetable and fruits, offering a diversity of affordable and accessible fresh and cooked foods. Mama mboga’s sell food on the streets, close to their homes allowing to combine their multiple roles in the household and work.

Along side the Mama mboga’s you will find somali mothers selling Kackac, ready-made Tea, Goat milk, Camel milk, Halwa and other goodies. Somali Halwa also known as: Xalwad is a popular sweet, it is made of sugar, cornstarch, oil and for the spices nutmeg and cardamom are used. Personally I enjoy eating halwa and biscuits together with tea and milk.

Furthermore, the Restaurants in Eastleigh vary from selling somali transitional meals, Chicken, Chips, Chips Masala, Shawarma etc. You’ll find two KFC in Eastleigh, one stands for KILIMANJARO Food Court and the other Kentucky Fried Chicken (which is relatively new in the neighbourhood).

My first time dining at an Eastleigh Restaurant was a memory that still lingers in my mind, it makes smile writing about right now. A few days after arriving in Kenya my older brothers and I planned to have lunch together like we usually did. This time we decided we explore Eastleigh Restaurants. We ordered at GOLF restaurant. I was really amazed with the delicious meals and servers. Till today, I enjoy dining at Eastleigh Restaurants.

Eastleigh is an exciting place to shop and roam in. From the phenomenal buildings, history to the delicious foods and culture, I am truly glad that I get to experience such an amazing part of the country.