Open-air markets are different, I am told.

And when you walk through this one- Weavers Market in Kaptembwo, you might agree.

It’s quiet, as though we are in a library or the leafy suburbs. There are murmurs, but only from buyers probably questioning if the clothes are a good fit or how when they see a particular clothing, so and so comes to mind.

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There are heaps of clothes everywhere, some neatly arranged and some in unarranged piles, all on top of wooden surfaces with prices attached to them.

Above them run electricity transmission lines. If you are keen enough, you’ll notice vendors resting on these wooden surfaces sandwiched by the piles, underneath them, and under temporary shelters.

Clients walk around it, admiring, fitting, and some eventually buying some of the items. All this is done- quietly.

Jackson Kariuki arranges some of the clothes he intends to sell at Weavers market.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Mtaa Wangu spoke to Jackson Kariuki, the Chairman of Weavers Market, who has been a trader for more than 20 years, and says that the market’s silence is a result of discipline.

“We decided on the system of tagging prices on clothes instead of shouting at every customer- such that by the time they leave, we all have persistent headaches. This gives clients the space to look and select items based on their financial means and choose items they are most pleased with,” he reveals.

He says clients appreciate the market’s orderliness and have since proved safer compared to other markets.

This has increased their clientele with some coming from as far as Eldoret and Nairobi.

For Jacqueline Wambui Kiarie, the market has a familial legacy, as she is one of two generations who have established a business there since 2000.

Jacqueline Kiaire, a trader, sorts through some of her bale of clothes at Weavers market.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

She says many who have joined have mainly been observant of how long standing traders have conducted business, although they have to pass through the market leadership first.

“Our market offers freedom to customers, and you’ll never see any of us call on them, explain what we are selling, or even tag at them. They have the liberty to walk around, look at the different items with their price tags, and simply choose whether to buy or not. We do not push them.”

Over time, the market has gradually grown to accommodate different traders with different commodities including food, and kitchenware amongst other things.

The perfect Nakuru market where business is conducted quietly

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Leleti Jassor