“Getting into Village Market was the next logical thing. We had a huge customer base on this side of Nairobi so once Westgate was gone we had to set location here, we had a lot of demand for that. This project took about eight to ten months and I think we have done a great job.”
Adele Dejak operated a shop at Westgate, and also had another shop in Lamu.
When the Westgate attacks happened, she picked herself up and decided to concentrate on the Lamu shop, and then the Mpeketoni attacks happened this year. Although the attacks took place a little far from Lamu Island where her shop was located, Adele was still too raw with emotions after Westgate.
She closed her Lamu shop and moved back to Nairobi.
“I always wanted an outlet in Karen. I feel because of the traffic congestion going to Central Nairobi, a lot of people in Karen do not actually leave Karen so that’s why from the extreme Gigiri and Kiambu then to Karen which is one end of Nairobi to another; there is a gap here,” she said.
“Within two days I found this shipping container at the Purdy Arms. I think containers are really cool and the interesting thing that most people do not realize is that most shops along the streets are containers. It’s a very African way to use something that has been recycled and it has always been my dream to have a container for a shop. I now believe dreams do come true.”
Despite being a victim of these attacks Adele believes she was fortunate enough and is now forwardly embracing the ripple effects of the Westgate attack.
“I think Westgate clients have moved on. With anything in life, however negative, you have to move on. I’m moving on with my new container shop which I have named Lamu and focusing on the international online market because I think that’s the new market,” she beams.
In addition, Adele is urging the government to put in place measures in which security is assured not only to the local but also international investors.
“A lot of people need just reassurance not only with words but with actions. Security is a big issue and the government needs to pump up security, the problem needs to be tackled in a smarter way because it is a very complex situation,” she advised.
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