The continued growth of Nakuru City has been reflected in various amenities such as markets.

With the increasing population, markets remain a key aspect where locals go for their basic needs.

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One such market that has become a favourite to the locals is Pondamali Market located at Pondamali Trading Centre in Rhonda Ward.

Although the road leading to this open-air market off the Top Ten area is tarmacked, the situation inside the market is different, with a rough road flanked by stalls.

The market started many years ago as a small shopping centre with a few mama mboga and charcoal vendors.

However, as the population grew, the market also expanded into a large one, catering to the shopping needs of many residents not only from Pondamali, but also from various neighbouring settlements.

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Mtaa Wangu has observed that residents from as far as Nakuru East sub-county estates such as Flamingo, Kivumbini and Freehold come to Pondamali market to do their shopping, thanks to the pocket-friendly prices.

Inside Ponda Mali market in Rhonda ward.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Veronica Auma is a fish vendor at Pondamali Market and has been in the business for over a decade.

Although she was born and raised in Alego, Siaya County, Veronica says Pondamali Market is where she gets her daily bread.

According to Veronica, the pocket-friendly prices not only for fish but also for other commodities is what drives people to flock to the market.

Florence Raila, another fish vendor at the market, shared similar sentiments.

"Pricing is all that matters. People will prefer to get their fish here because the prices are considerate," Veronica Auma said.

A few metres inside the market is Hellen Amadi, who sells onions and tomatoes.
For her, business is booming in Pondamali, although she points out that sometimes she has to choose between making a profit and keeping customers.

Fresh produce, such as tomatoes and green vegetables, is another factor that attracts many customers to the Pondamali market.

"Hii ni soko ya mwananchi wa kawaida kwa hivyo lazima tuuze tu bei yenye haiwafinyi sana (This is a market for ordinary Kenyans and therefore we sell at a price that is pocket friendly)," says Hellen as she goes about her business.

Apart from vegetables and other food items, the market is also known for its cheap clothes, so much so that you can buy several outfits for Sh1000.
Wilson Maina is a second-hand clothes dealer at the market and for him, business is not too bad.

Wilson says you can get a good pair of jeans for as little as Sh150 to Sh200, unlike in other markets where such a pair would cost over Sh500.

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For women, it is even cheaper, with prices starting at Sh50 for a nice blouse, which is why many women flock to the market on weekends.

"The prices here are lower than what we see in other markets," Wilson Maina said.

George Otieno, who has lived in Pondamali for the past 20 years, says the market has a variety of food items that make it reliable for both locals and foreigners.

"Nothing gives you more pleasure than finding a variety at a cheaper price in one place - that is Pondamali for you," he says.

The allure of Pondamali market, which is helping Nakuru residents cope with the high cost of living

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