Heavy rains are currently being experienced in various parts of the country leading to destruction of property, displacement and roads rendered impassable due to floods.
The Kenya Meteorological Department, on April 24 warned Kenyans living within the Nairobi metropolis of continued rains, noting that they should anticipate moderate to heavy, possibly very heavy rainfall across multiple areas.
“Nairobi metropolis forecast: Anticipate moderate to heavy, possibly very heavy rainfall across multiple areas within the metropolis. Stay weather-aware and prepared!” noted the weatherman.
Rain is good. It is life. For a country like Kenya that heavily depends on rain-fed agriculture, rain is an indication of good tidings ahead.
However, when it pours heavily, a lot can go wrong including loss of lives due to drowning in floodwaters. Kenya still has painful memories of 1997 and 2016 El Nino which caused havoc in most parts of the country.
Noteworthy, not all is gloomy during heavy rains. The economy runs. People eat. Life goes on even with the disruption. And to some, it is always time to make an extra coin.
Who doesn’t want money, especially with the biting economy? Some businesses tend to do well when it pours heavily.
Businesses that thrive during rainy season
Here are some everyday ventures that are likely to blossom as owners smile to the back when the skies open.
Dealers in protective wear– These include umbrellas, raincoats, gumboots, and galoshes. You’ve been to the Central Business District when it rains? Umbrella traders pop from every corner of the streets enticing desperate Nairobians on the streets.
Galoshes are overshoes, normally made of rubber, which are used to protect the shoe from rain and mud.
To plan, carry some of these items with you whenever you leave the house. For instance, ladies have no issue squeezing a foldable umbrella in their ever-growing bags. Don’t forget your shower cap.
Hot drink sellers– The cooler the weather, the sweeter the coffee. When it rains, your schedule is disrupted, and you will find yourself sipping a hot drink before you leave the city or jump into a meeting.
It is always time for hawkers and restaurants selling hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee and tea will benefit to reap without even sowing.
The Matatu industry– In the common conduct of the city’s matatu culture, fares will hike because of the ongoing rains. Haven’t you seen fares spike in town immediately after a drop of rain hits the CBD?
However, the argument has always been that when it rains, PSVs spend more time on the roads because of the traffic congestion.
Consequently, fuel consumption goes up and to bridge the profit margins, the cost is passed to the commuters.
Also Read: How to Beat Nairobi Traffic Jam with 7 Easy Tricks
The mitumba industry– Second hand clothes traders are set to see bigger turnovers with the El Nino rains.
People will demand warmer clothes to keep off the cold away. They will also most likely be demanding more clothes since with the rain clothes are less likely to dry off the laundry lines.
Boda-boda industry: It is a common city phenomenon that there are heavy traffic snarl-ups witnessed after the rains.
Therefore, to avoid the frustrations of the slow traffic jams, Kenyans will prefer boda-bodas.
Boda-bodas are faster, more convenient and are the easiest way to get through a traffic jam and get to your destination on time.
