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Kiosks fight to retain customers


Kiosk owners are fighting to retain customers as supermarkets repackage goods to target low income earners.

James Mwanzia, a milk vendor selling unprocessed milk at Toi Market, is facing tough competition from Uchumi, Tuskys and Naivas supermarket, all close to the market in Adams Arcade.

The three have bought milk dispensers and have fairly low prices as well.

At Tuskys there is always a long queue at their milk vending point every evening.

“I hardly sell three litres per day. Two years ago I was selling over 10 litres,” he said adding: “If things don’t change I may be forced to seek an alternative business.”

Next to him, Purity Gathoni a shop keeper who repackages some products for resale also complained of an overall drop in sales.

Cooked food traders have not been spared either.

The supermarkets are now selling an array of ready food and even have reserved sections where the hungry can munch away their lunch or dinner.

Apart from milk, liquid soap is also sold through dispensers.