As the clock strikes 6 pm in Nakuru City, the bustling streets begin to witness a transformation.
Residents are in a hurry, rushing back to their homes after a long day of work.

But as the sun sets, another intriguing aspect of Nakuru emerges—the night life.

In a quest to find out Nakuru City’s night life, Mtaa Wangu set out to unravel its secrets and discovered a world of its own.

A section of Kenyatta avenue at night.

Photo credit: MERCY PROTAS/MTAA WANGU

Walking along the city's bustling avenues, you will frequently discover a number of traders, each weaving their unique tale of resilience and determination.

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The hawkers skilfully display their merchandise of thrifted clothes, fresh groceries, succulent fruits, and home appliances as they engage with passing drivers and passengers, enticing them to make a purchase before they rush back home.

Among them is Esther Wanjira, a hawker who shares her perspective in an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu.

With the current state of the economy, Wanjira says she has no option but to go the extra mile to make ends meet. She reveals that night time brings her a distinct advantage, as the rush hour is when most of her sales occur.

“As people scurry home, they find themselves drawn to my assortment of goods. Personally, I found out that variety is the key and it certainly pays off,” says Wanjira.

Peter Abuga, a tuk-tuk driver reveals that the rising fuel prices have cast a shadow on his once-thriving business.

Peter Abuga, a tuk-tuk driver.

Photo credit: MERCY PROTAS/MTAA WANGU

“In the stillness of the late hours, I have to patiently wait for the late-night travellers who seek transport, hoping to find customers in the otherwise deserted streets past 8 pm,” he says.

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James Kariuki, a seasoned businessman in the electronics trade, shared his unique perspective with Mtaa Wangu. He says that his small business stays open from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, thriving in the late hours when large-scale businesses have long closed their doors.

James Kariuki, a seasoned businessman in the electronics trade

Photo credit: MERCY PROTAS/MTAA WANGU

However, he revealed a startling shift in the night-time landscape, with late-night businesses on a slow decline since 2021. “4-5 years ago, one would walk into Nakuru City past 10pm and find the city abuzz with late-night activities but currently, it now experiences a hushed nocturnal ambiance.” says Kariuki.

Just as the darkness was settling in Mtaa Wangu interacted with Moses, an egg vendor, who fearlessly embraces the bustling nocturnal hours, keeping his business alive until the clock strikes midnight.

Moses an egg vendor.

Photo credit: MERCY PROTAS/MTAA WANGU

Interestingly, Moses reveals that the steaming hot boiled eggs with a side of kanchumbari tantalizes the taste buds of night owls and partygoers in clubs.

Mtaa Wangu also noted that some establishments refuse to surrender to the night's embrace. Supermarkets like Clean-Shelf and Woolmart remain open until 10:30 pm and 9 pm, respectively.

Meanwhile, Naivas Supermarket along Kenyatta Avenue keeps its lights on until an impressive 11 pm, catering to late-night shoppers seeking essentials.

Some of the supermarkets that stay open until late in the night.

Photo credit: MERCY PROTAS/MTAA WANGU

And for those with a culinary craving that knows no bounds, Nakuru's eateries present a delightful feast for the night owls.

The likes of Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, and Galitos keep their kitchens sizzling 24 hours, offering a tantalizing assortment of flavours even in the darkest hours.

Protasmercy01@gmail.com

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Nakuru's night life: Businesses that thrive in the cover of darkness

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Mercy Protas