Uncertainty drives Kenyans to stock up on essential foodstuffs ahead of Presidential poll
Most supermarkets in the city and its environs recorded a high number of shoppers who were mostly stocking foodstuff and other essentials.
Most supermarkets in the city and its environs recorded a high number of shoppers who were mostly stocking foodstuff and other essentials.
Naivas Chief Operating Officer Willy Kimani told a local media they were doing booming business ahead of the poll.
“Most of our branches all over the country have reported high sales.” He said.
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Mr. Kimani divulged that the mall had recorded almost a 40 per cent rise in sales this week alone, attributing the spike to the uncertainty surrounding Thursday’s repeat presidential election.
"Unlike in August when we were caught off-guard, this time around we had anticipated that Kenyans would engage in panic buying and, therefore, stocked adequately, especially basic commodities.” He added.
Tuskys supermarket branches on Tom Mboya Street and Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi equally recorded high number of shoppers.
At the Game store located inside Garden City mall, most shelves for fresh vegetables, bread, milk and water had been cleared by 4pm on Wednesday.
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Some of the essential items bought in bulk which were in high demand; maize, wheat flour, cooking oil, sugar, rice, long-life milk, groceries, drinking water and toilet paper.
Naivas attendants revealed they had sold more maize flour on Tuesday and Wednesday than they usually sell in two weeks on ordinary days.
Most supermarkets however hope to be opened for business on Friday as they race to make up for poll related losses.
"Our branches will close only for a day (today) and reopen on Friday,” Mr Kimani said.
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