By Peter Otuoro
The arrival of Egerton University first year students has changed the face of business in Njoro town and adjacent environs.
All business sectors from transport, hotel, cyber cafés, bookshops and stationery kiosks are booming as thousands of students get all their necessities from the locality.
Education News interviewed some of the traders who revealed that students were the cash muscle of their businesses.
“When students are on campus, our sales increase while when they are on recess, our businesses are dead,” said Maina Macharia, one of the traders with a food outlet in Egerton town.
Eunice Nyambura, another foodstuff vendor, said she is changing her business design to open only when students are in session and defer when they are out.
“I will get money to pay school fees for my children who are in secondary school because university students will buy my products on a daily basis,” she added.
Traders in the transport sector were not left behind, saying the money circulation has been brought about by the presence of new students.
“Few weeks ago, most of our vehicles did not have passengers between Egerton, Njoro and Nakuru City, but now business is picking,” said Paul Mwangi, a matatu driver.
Mwangi said they are happy with the arrival of students and they expect a major financial boost in their business.
