Kenya’s open-air car market revs through a tough economy

Vehicles for sale pictured at Jamhuri car Bazaar in Nairobi on May 25, 2025.

Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group

It is a chilly Sunday afternoon but the Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi is alive and buzzing with the sound of car engines and excited Kenyans.

For 36 years now, this open space has been a second-hand car market, attracting hundreds of sellers and thousands of visitors. Some are serious buyers, others curious enthusiasts, and a few just looking for a relaxed way to spend their afternoon.

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