Nairobi’s famous Luthuli Avenue is once again attracting attention. For many Kenyans, it is the go-to place for cheap electronics. TVs, speakers, phones and gadgets line the busy street at prices that often look unbelievable.
One offer that has caught people’s eyes is a 43-inch smart TV selling for as low as KSh10,000.
For many shoppers struggling with high living costs, the deal sounds like a jackpot. But behind the excitement, some buyers are walking away with regrets.
On Luthuli Avenue, sellers often use simple tricks. A buyer is quickly called over. The TV is switched on. It looks new. It works. The price is repeated again and again: KSh10,000.
The seller pushes urgency—“stock is finishing,” “buy now or lose it.” Many people feel forced to act fast.
Some buyers are asked to pay immediately to “secure” or “test” the TV.
That is where things often start going wrong.
After payment, another person may appear. The message changes. The TV now needs “activation” or a “system setup.” This comes with an extra cost.
In some cases, buyers are asked to pay another KSh10,000.
At this point, many feel trapped. They have already spent money, so they continue paying, hoping the deal will finally end.
But sometimes, it does not.
Buyers are later told they must pay more money for “smart features” like YouTube or streaming apps to work.
This is where confusion grows. Technology experts say smart TVs do not need special activation fees for apps like YouTube. What you actually need is internet connection—not extra payments.
This means some of the charges being added on the street are not real service costs.
In many cases, once money is paid, the seller disappears or becomes unreachable. Receipts are missing or unclear. Buyers are left with no way to complain or recover their money.
Some end up with a TV that cost far more than expected. Others lose money completely.
How to stay safe.
Experts are now warning shoppers to be extra careful, especially in busy markets like Luthuli Avenue.
Before buying:
Always ask for a written receipt
Confirm the final total price upfront
Test the TV fully before paying
Compare prices from other shops
Avoid any “extra fees” after payment
Bottom line.
A very low price can be tempting. But on Luthuli Avenue, some of these “too good to be true” deals are turning into costly lessons.
For many buyers, caution is proving more valuable than the discount itself.