BY AUSTINE OGOLLA: When night falls in Siaya town, the lights go out, not because of a blackout, but because business shuts down.

By 7 p.m., shopkeepers have rolled down their shutters, hawkers packed their goods, and the streets fallen silent. The county headquarters that hums by day becomes still and empty.

But just a few minutes away, along the Siaya–Bondo highway, a different rhythm takes over. At Bondo Junction, darkness signals the start of business.

Tucked at the intersection linking Siaya, Tin’g Wan’gi, and Bondo, the once-modest trading centre has transformed into a bustling night economy hub.

From sizzling meat and roaring matatus to booming music and laughter, Bondo Junction comes alive when Siaya sleeps.

Today, the junction serves as the commercial heartbeat for surrounding estates and villages; including Kalulu, Kamfuas, Okin’g, Mahinga, Ufinya, Aringo, Usere, Prisons, and neighbouring settlements. What was once a small stopover has become the go-to

evening market and social hub for hundreds.

In fact, Bondo Junction hosts the only 24/7 fuel station in Siaya town, a clear indicator of its growing economic importance and constant human traffic even through the late hours.

Informal Trade Thrives After Dusk

Unlike Siaya’s sleepy CBD, dominated by offices and banks, Bondo Junction thrives on informal trade, transport, and nightlife.

Dozens of small traders, boda boda riders, eateries, and entertainment joints rely on the steady stream of travellers and locals seeking food, relaxation, and social interaction.

By nightfall, the junction is brightly lit with food stalls, moving traffic, and music echoing from open-air spots.

The steady flow of people gives it a sense of safety and vibrant energy, a sharp contrast to Siaya’s quiet, darkened streets.

This contrast has drawn attention from observers who see in Bondo Junction a missed opportunity for Siaya’s economic diversification.

While Siaya’s town centre slows to a halt after dusk, the Junction demonstrates the potential of a thriving, people-driven night economy that could redefine how small towns operate.

For many in the region, Bondo Junction stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation—proof that the local economy doesn’t have to die with the sunset.

Leveraging Nighttime Momentum

The rise of Bondo Junction also presents clear opportunities for the Siaya County Government. With the centre already attracting significant night-time trade and travellers, the county could leverage this momentum by improving lighting, drainage, and security infrastructure, while formalizing trading spaces to enhance safety and hygiene.

Additionally, the night economy could be recognized as a legitimate revenue stream through small business permits, market fees, and support for youth and women groups operating in the informal sector.

Investing in public transport regulation, waste management, and roadside development would not only boost revenue but also create jobs and sustain growth long after daylight fades.

Bondo Junction’s success story offers a simple lesson: economic vibrancy doesn’t only depend on large projects, but on nurturing small, organic enterprises that thrive when given the right environment.

For now, Bondo Junction remains Siaya’s most unlikely economic star—a place where night doesn’t end the day, it begins it.