As I passed through Nakuru city centre, I observed how parents and students are coping with the challenges of getting ready for a new term amidst the high cost of living.

The first shop I saw was a bookshop with a sign that read, "Back to school sale." Outside the shop, a queue stretched from the entrance to the sidewalk, blocking the pedestrians.

Some people were holding a list of books, while others were holding nothing. Some looked bored, others looked frustrated and few looked happy.

Nakuru residents flock Patmat book shop in the city centre on January 5, 2024.

Photo credit: WINNIE KIMANI/MTAA WANGU

Read: CBC leaves Nakuru parents, book sellers, confused

It was as if everyone was in the rush to buy books and stationery for their children, as the queue was getting longer by the minute.

As I got closer, I got a chance to get in Patmat bookshop that sells uniforms and stationery, and struck up a conversation with Patrick Matindi, the Director of the Bookshop, who revealed to me that most parents come into the shop from noon compared to morning hours.

Mr Matindi says, “Despite the books and stationeries getting out of stock, the parents are having a hard time shopping for uniforms after the government announced that schools should not direct parents on where to shop, leaving the parents frustrated.”

He states that parents queue for more than an hour and still get out empty handed without uniforms, especially parents with children transiting to high school.

Nakuru residents line up outside a uniform shop in the city centre on January 5, 2024.

Photo credit: WINNIE KIMANI/MTAA WANGU

Supermarkets as well were not exempted from the frenzy. Shopping carts weaved their way through crowded aisles piled with notebooks, pens and a little bit of snacks.

Long queues but no longer compared to the bookshop snaked its way from the checkout counters, as rustling shopping bags filled the air, as each person patiently waited for their turn.

Interestingly, as the demand for the school essentials soared, so did the fortunes of local salons and Kinyozi businesses.

Speaking to David Mwangi, a barber in town, he says, “Since yesterday, I have been getting up to 15 students a day making more than what I get on a normal day.”

Mr Mwangi notes that although the shave costs sh.50, he will still accept as ow as Sh 30 from a student.

On the other hand, Esther Muthoni, a salonist, laments the noticeable decline in the number of school children seeking her services.

Related: A Nakuru mom's guide to navigating back to school anxiety

With a sigh she says “Biashara ni mbaya. You know, back in the days the salon would be vibrant with children, but now it’s like they have all disappeared.”

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Nakuru city turns into a beehive of activity as back to school date nears

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Winnie Kimani