Thousands abandon tradition to enjoy Christmas and festive season in the city

Thousands of Nairobi residents spent their Christmas in the city instead of travelling upcountry as has been the tradition.

Most families spent the day enjoying the available recreational facilities in the city— to the delight of traders who did booming business.

Uhuru Park, for instance, was a beehive of activity with thousands of people flocking the grounds.

Men, women and children kept themselves busy, enjoying boat and camel riding. Go-kart operators did brisk business, with children racing the mobile machine in turns.

At neighbouring Lunar Park, which is next to Railways Club, children spent the day amusing themselves with bouncing castles and swings.

“I have never seen such a big crowd of people during Christmas and business has been good since morning,” a kiosk owner, who only identified as Ali, told the Saturday Nation. Most people who visited Uhuru and Lunar parks flocked to the club for food and drinks.

BUSY ROUTE

City Hall Way was busy all day long because most people heading to Uhuru Park used the route after alighting at Kencom bus stage.

Other city dwellers thronged Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) where different companies pitched tent to sell different products, especially toys.

However, some Nairobians stuck to tradition and travelled upcountry, with many getting stranded at bus stops due to lack of vehicles.

Matatus took advantage of the crisis and hiked fares almost four times.

At Tea Room stage where Nyeri-bound matatus converge, there was a big crowd of travellers, with some spending a night there to catch bus.

Ms Jane Wakarima, who was travelling to Karatina, with her two children said they were being charged Sh1,000 from the usual Sh250.