Residents of Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, and neighbouring regions have continued to flock to the Kariakoo International Market to shop for various commodities ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

At the market, most shoppers were seen buying clothes, shoes, groceries, drinks, and other family necessities, something that has caused heavy traffic around the business district.

Businesswoman Furaha Msangi said the business atmosphere has so far been encouraging, as prices have not gone up as has been the case in past years during this season. According to her, most businesspeople have lowered their asking prices to attract more buyers.

“Customers should not be afraid to come to Kariakoo. The prices are friendly because we have deliberately lowered them due to the festive season. Most people think that during such times prices must go up, but on the contrary, things are different,” said Furaha.

On her part, Asnath Kudra, a hawker, said that although she did not explain the reasons, prices have also comparatively dropped, something that makes it easier for customers to get the essential goods they want for the season.

The acting secretary of the hawkers in Kariakoo, Thabiti Maloka, said the surge in customers has contributed to the growth of businesses owned by small-scale traders, adding that the festive season is always an opportunity to generate more income. According to him, there is increased human traffic to the extent that movement is restricted.

He, however, reiterated that the security situation has been heightened, which continues to give traders confidence to continue doing business without any worries of theft or shoplifting.

In the meantime, security forces have continued to conduct regular patrols around Kariakoo to protect citizens and their property.