Garissa businesses thrive ahead of Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations

Garissa is experiencing a surge in economic activity with Eid-Ul-Adha just around the corner.

A spot check by Radio Generation found that shoppers are turning out in large numbers, filling markets, visiting tailors for last-minute outfits, and purchasing livestock for the holiday’s traditional sacrifices.

Eid-Ul-Adha will be marked on Friday, June 6 and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declared the day a public holiday to allow Muslims to engage in religious practices, family gatherings, and community service.

Murkomen noted the announcement in a gazette notice released on Tuesday, June 4, 2025.

Eid ul-Adha (‘Festival of Sacrifice’) is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar.

The festival remembers the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, when God ordered him to.

Clothing vendors and livestock traders in Garissa have also recorded a surge in business, offering much-needed relief after a prolonged period of slow trade.

This upturn follows a familiar trend in Garissa and other Muslim-majority towns, where economic activity peaks during the holy month of Ramadan, then typically slows down in the months that follow.

The period between Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah is often marked by a noticeable dip in economic activity, as families recover from the heavy spending during the holy month of fasting and Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

At Suuq Mugdi (Somali for black market), the busiest market in Garissa, stalls are bustling with customers buying new clothes, perfumes, spices and sweet delicacies.

"Business has very good the last few weeks," said Asha Abdullahi, a clothing vendor who has doubled her stock of Abayas and Kanzus.

"People want to look their best for Eid, even if prices are high. Some customers are bargaining hard, but they are buying," she said.

Custom tailors said they have been operating late into the night to keep up with demand, mainly from women and children customers.

Mohamed Yusuf, a local tailor in Garissa Ndogo, said he has been operating late into the night to keep up with demand of mainly women and children clients.

He noted that this is his busiest time of year and everyone wants custom outfits, especially the youth.

"My apprentices and I are working overtime to deliver all orders at least before the eve of Eid Day," he said.

Sheikh Hussein Farah, a merchant at the Garissa main livestock market, said goats and cows have recorded a surge in their prices.

He said livestock traders are gearing up for a surge in the price of animals in Soko Ngombe.

"We’re already seeing more demand than usual. Prices for live goats have gone up from Sh10,000 to Sh12,500, depending on size. People still buy because meat is a must on Eid," he said.

Salim Sheikh Ali, a tuk-tuk driver, said passengers are "carrying bulging shopping bags" and making multiple trips.

“It’s good for business,” he smiles. “Some customers even book us in advance for Eid morning.”

Despite rising prices of essential goods, residents are finding creative ways to make the most of the season — pooling resources, shopping in groups, and focusing on essentials.

Eid ul-Adha involves special prayers, the ritual sacrifice of animals (Qurbani), and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate, as well as reinforcing themes of devotion and charity.

Muslims in Kenya form a vibrant and diverse community, comprising about 12% of the population, according to national statistics.

They are predominantly found along the coastal regions such as Mombasa, Lamu, and Kilifi and in the northeastern counties, including Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.

A significant Muslim population also resides in urban centers like Nairobi, Nakuru, Kakamega, Eldoret and Kisumu.