After almost three weeks of silence, businesses in Maseno town and its environs are back to life following the reopening of Maseno University after the indefinite closure.
Cafeterias, salons, shops and beauty shops were opened as early as 6.30am Monday as students streamed in the campus.
The students are the major customers and target for most businesses in the town.
Most of the shops and cafeterias had been closed as a result of students absence from the university.
Mama Nduta, who owns a cafeteria along Kisumu-Busia Road, said she had to wake up very early because most of the students would need breakfast and lunch as they settle in the campus.
She said business was greatly affected during the closure, adding that they are their main customers.
“When students are around my business does well, but things turn out bad when they have gone home,” she said.
Joseph Otieno who owns a shop near the university premises said he got more stock from Kisumu over the weekend due to the reopening of the institution.
“I had to order for more stock from the city. I don’t want to run out of stock as early as this week because I know students will be coming in for the commodities,” he said.
Bodaboda operators were not left out either, with many customers at their disposal, the riders took advantage of the situation to make money.
Fare from Siriba Campus has been hiked, from Sh30 to Sh70.
The institution has reopened after the indefinite closure in mid October due to fire outbreak that burned part of the administration block.