Businesses in Mombasa, including at Mackinon market, the city centre and Kibokoni in Old Town, would be booming at this time.
Shops in Nairobi’s Eastleigh, Marikiti in Mombasa and the livestock market in Garissa have been shut.
Ms Hamisa Zaja, a local, said most of these items are ordinarily found at Mackinon market and in Old Town.
Some traders have moved their businesses to Bondeni, just opposite Mackinon market.
Dagahley livestock market in Dadaab, Garissa County, serves traders in northeastern and Somalia.