Small business owners in Eldoret town are upset about the new Wajose Smart Wear Mega Wholesalers. They say the large shop sells clothes and shoes at very low prices. This makes it hard for their smaller shops to compete. Some even call for the store to close down.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii officially opened Wajose in June 2025. The launch happened in the heart of Eldoret. Bii praised it as a boost for business in the area. He said it shows investors trust Uasin Gishu. The governor hoped more big stores would come. He talked about jobs and affordable clothes for people.
Wajose Smart Wear is a one-stop shop. It offers all kinds of clothes for men, women, and children. Shoes too. They sell wholesale and retail. Prices are lower because they buy in bulk. Traders from nearby areas come to stock up.
But local small shop owners feel threatened. Many run boutiques or small clothing stalls in markets around Eldoret. They buy from middlemen at higher costs. When Wajose sells direct at cheaper rates, customers go there instead. Sales drop for the little guys.
Some traders spoke out after the opening. They said big wholesalers like this kill small businesses. Families depend on those shops for daily income. Rent and stock costs stay the same, but fewer buyers come. A few mentioned unfair competition.
Eldoret grows fast as a commercial centre. New malls and big stores open often. The town serves the North Rift region. People from surrounding counties shop here. Affordable options help buyers. But it hurts those who sold clothes for years.
Governor Bii focused on positives during the launch. He said Wajose creates jobs. Direct and indirect. Young people get work. It fits his plan to make Eldoret a regional hub.
Wajose has branches elsewhere, like in Nakuru. They built a name for low prices and variety. The Eldoret branch is large. Easy access in the town centre.
Small traders face similar issues across Kenya. Big chains or wholesalers change the game. Mitumba sellers or boutique owners adjust or struggle.
For now, Wajose operates normally. Crowds visit for deals. Small shops nearby hope customers return for personal service or unique items.
This kind of tension shows growing pains in Eldoret. Investment comes, and jobs too. But not everyone benefits the same way.
People in Eldoret searching for clothing deals find Wajose popular. Small business owners watch sales closely. Balance is needed between big and small trade.
