Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.
The ongoing rains have paralysed businesses in various parts of the country, leaving many Kenyans in the informal sector without a source of income.
These include hawkers and business owners in flooded areas and those dealing with cold products, such as ice cream, which is not in high demand due to the cold weather.
Spot checks by TUKO.co.ke collected a few new hustles and businesses that may be doing well despite the cold and rainy weather.
Protective wears during rainy seasons include umbrellas, raincoats, gumboots, and goloshes.
When it rains, umbrella traders pop up on the streets, enticing Nairobians to avoid getting wet to and from their workplaces.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued more weather updates indicating that the rains will continue for the near future; therefore, buying a foldable umbrella or wearing goloshes is becoming essential.
Boda boda riders and companies that provide home delivery services are raking it this rainy season.
When it rains, people don't want to go out shopping for groceries in the evening when it's more convenient to ask for delivery.
TUKO.co.ke found that many hotels and grocery stores in residential areas in Nairobi and its environs have started to provide delivery services due to customer demands.
Additionally, with people avoiding outdoor shopping, online retail platforms and businesses are thriving, especially if they sell warm clothing, blankets, home essentials, groceries, and food.
The cooler the weather, the sweeter the coffee!
When it rains, people seek warmth and comfort, and hawkers and restaurants selling hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and tea are booming in Nairobi and other towns.
Matatu fares often hike during rainy weather as PSVs (public service vehicles) try to recoup money they will lose by spending more time on the roads due to traffic congestion, which often occurs when it rains.
A spot check by TUKO.co. revealed that whenever it rains, boda boda riders charge more for the same distance, with some increasing the cost by KSh 20 and KSh 50 depending on the area and the condition of the roads.
Although many open markets are inaccessible when it rains, people often flock to the clothes sections looking for cold-season clothes.
Second-hand clothes traders dealing in heavy jackets and sweaters experience bigger turnovers during this season.
Leaky roofs become more noticeable during heavy rains, which means builders and constructors are in high demand.
A spot check by TUKO.co.ke revealed that many owners of older buildings have had to call in a builder to repair their roofs following an overnight heavy downpour.
Car repair: Mud and rain are making vehicles to break down, requiring repairs.
Gas dealers are in more demand now that charcoal and firewood are hard to get.
Boats in towns for crossing flooded sections. Some are using boda boda or carrying people on their backs across flooded sections for a fee.
Hardware and construction materials as people are now buying waterproof cement, nails, iron sheets etc to fix areas where floods have affected and also reinforce their houses/structures
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Making deliveries and selling hot drinks are thriving businesses in rainy seasons.
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