Photographers and hawkers are hugely benefitting from the renovated Muliro Gardens in Kakamega town.
The park, designated as a national museum site in 2002, provides a good relaxing environment and fresh air.
Today, a fenced renovated Muliro Gardens is strictly monitored by county askaris and has opened doors to many business opportunities.
In 2011, social media was abuzz with talks of shocking photos of couples making out at the park.
This led to strict monitoring with the county government clearing off perverts who had taken advantage of the ambience in the garden, turning some parts of it into a love nest.
The garden is now cleaner and the paths are paved making it an excellent place to relax after doing business and running errands in Kakamega town.
Since its renovation by the county government, Muliro gardens is now beautified with flowers, providing a conducive environment for businesses especially photography.
“The garden is now cool and attractive. It enables me to use my creativity in capturing moments,” a photographer Chris Miles said.
He said he earns up to Sh1,400 daily from his trade.
The photographers have a registered group, 037 Photographers, which is responsible for photos taken in the garden and in case of any illicit photos and activities, they become answerable.
“One has to be acknowledged by the sacco in order to take photos in the garden,” Miles said.
Dancun Nyongesa also known as Hotstar, said they however restrict high school students and children who may want to pose with their girlfriends or boyfriends while taking pictures.
Another photographer Paul Nyongesa said he earns between Sh500 to Sh1,000 per day depending on the number of people who have sought his services.
The photographers said business is low during weekdays but picks up on weekends and especially on Sunday.
Paul said many people also seek their services during holidays, birthday parties and other days when they are off duty.
“Operating at Muliro Gardens has made us get more clients as those who need photoshoot services for weddings, funerals, birthday parties and other events will always find us at the garden,” he said.
The photographers are however requesting the Kakamega government to install lights in the garden to enable them work extra hours.
Apart from photography, hawkers too are benefitting from the renovation of the garden.
Since Muliro gardens offer a conducive environment for relaxing and letting off stress of a tiresome day, hawkers get the opportunity to sell their refreshments and snacks.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
