From humble beginnings: Sadiq Gabow carves niche as Eastleigh's sole full-time Marikiti trader

Every morning at 5:30 am, long before most of the city wakes up, Sadiq Gabow is already at Marikiti Market, Kenya’s largest fresh produce marketplace.

In the early hours, while trucks offload sacks of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, onions, garlic, oranges, and other produce sourced from across East Africa, Sadiq begins selecting the freshest vegetables for his clients spread across various Nairobi estates.

Sadiq is the only man from Eastleigh currently working full-time at Marikiti Market. His journey began about five years ago when he arrived at the market as an employee under a trader. During that time, he learned how the fresh produce business operates, from identifying good quality vegetables to understanding pricing and supply chains.

After losing his job, Sadiq made the decision to stay at the market and start his own business. Having already built a network and gained recognition among other traders and transporters, his transition into self-employment was met with relative ease.

His familiarity with the operations gave him an advantage, and soon he began supplying vegetables to customers in Eastleigh, South C, and other parts of Nairobi.

Most of Sadiq’s customers are Somali women. Many of them prefer not to go to Marikiti themselves, fearing the risk of theft and being sold inferior produce at inflated prices due to being unfamiliar with the market.

This gap in trust and safety has enabled Sadiq to develop a steady customer base, as he is seen as reliable and experienced in navigating the often chaotic trading environment.

The market itself operates as a central hub for produce arriving from various counties and countries within East Africa.

Lorries arrive daily carrying different goods that quickly change hands from suppliers to distributors like Sadiq. Once he purchases the vegetables, he arranges for deliveries using motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and sometimes larger vehicles, depending on the size of the customer’s order.



Walking through the market with Sadiq reveals the level of recognition he has achieved. Traders and porters call out his name and greet him as he moves from one stall to another. This familiarity reflects the years he has spent building relationships and learning how to operate efficiently in the market.

Sadiq was born in Garsen, a town in Tana River County. Coming from a humble background, he dropped out of school early and left home in search of better opportunities when his parents could no longer support him.

After trying various odd jobs, he found himself at Marikiti, where he has remained ever since.

His earnings go toward taking care of his elderly parents back home.

“I don’t have many customers yet, but I hope to get more in the future. Most of my customers are from the Somali community,” Sadiq said.

He explained that while some people dismiss the vegetable business as work meant for women, he does not let that perception affect him. Supporting his parents and maintaining an honest livelihood are his priorities.

Sadiq noted that one of the key challenges in his business: customer payments. He insists on cash before delivery after learning the hard way that delivering first often results in unpaid bills. This approach has helped him avoid losses and maintain financial stability in his operations.

“I don’t use any hard drugs. I thank this market and Allah for the blessings,” he said, emphasising the importance of staying focused and disciplined in the environment he works in.

Looking ahead, Sadiq hopes to expand his business. His dream is to one day own his own delivery lorries, like the more established traders at the market. For now, he continues his work every morning, balancing hope with the realities of day-to-day business at Marikiti.

In a market that sees thousands of people daily and goods flowing in and out constantly, Sadiq Gabow has carved out a space for himself through persistence, trust, and the desire to build a life with dignity.