- Learners travelling to different parts of the country have also gathered in the congested CBD in a rush to board vehicles to their schools.
- Savanis bookshop on Latema road, downtown was particularly packed.
Image: WILFRED NYANGERESI
Parents have flocked Nairobi Central Business District to shop for books and other requirements as schools re-open.
This will be the last Covid-19 school calendar with first term starting this week, while students who did their KCPE exam last month set to report to their new secondary schools next week.
Learners travelling to different parts of the country have also gathered in the congested CBD in a rush to board vehicles to their schools.
A spot check by the Star in the past two days shows a crowded CBD as residents carried out their back to school shopping.
From stationery shops, school uniforms outlets and shoes shops, parents and guardians flocked in for last minute shopping.
Savanis bookshop on Latema road, downtown was particularly packed.
"Lucky for me, my son was in the same class two years ago, I already have most of the textbooks. Today I'm here to get what I missed last time,"Habiba Hassan, a parent said.
"I decided to come with my son to pick the necessary items he needs for the first term. The staff in the bookshop are very helpful, which makes our work easier," George Mugambi, another parent said.
Image: WILFRED NYANGERESI
Street vendors were not left behind as they also sell second-hand books at almost half the price at bookshops.
"We target parents who cannot afford new books and our prices are cheaper. We also do textbooks exchange for new ones, which is a great deal for parents with many children in school," Julius Omulo, a trader said.
Beatrice Wanja, a mother of three, said she always buys second-hand textbooks.
"As parents we have a lot of expenses including school fees, not forgetting transport money. The second-hand items are not as bad as people think," Wanja said.
Supermarkets also remained packed almost throughout the day.
Joseph Mutua, who was shopping at Quickmart branch along Tom Mboya street, told the Star he decided to kill two birds with one stone to conquer the shopping 'madness.'
"My son is joining Form 1 next week while two of my daughters are still in primary school, so I opted to do everything once so that next week I can deal with less issues," he said.
The uniform shops and Bata outlets were also filled with children fitting into their new uniforms and shoes.
Uniform distributors along Moi Avenue was full to capacity.
“My daughter is joining secondary school, so we are here to get everything as listed by school,” Viviane Kerubo, a parent said.
“Every year I have to come to Bata to get shoes for my children. They are upcountry but I know their sizes, which also makes my work easier," Adam Mulei, a parent said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)