Naivasha may be known as a conference hub, but let’s be honest it’s quickly claiming the crown as an unofficial sherehe capital, especially during big events like the WRC Safari Rally and the recent Ngemi Festival.

Here’s the plot twist, though, while Naivasha has the perfect setup for a good time, it’s not the locals who party like there’s no tomorrow.

It’s the visitors, yes, those weekend warriors from Nairobi, Nakuru, and beyond who turn up with unmatched energy and they descend in convoys, engines roaring, and music blasting from their cars.

And just a word of caution if your partner says they’re going on a Naivasha road trip, umegongewa na ukumbuke ni constant. That’s not just a rumour it’s practically a law of nature.

Interestingly, the actual Naivasha residents don’t party like they’re running from their problems. They’re more calculated with their fun. On weekdays, clubs host the visitors who are in Naivasha for a conference.

But come Friday night? Boom! Clubs like Party Island, Leyian, Kiss Lounge, and Double Dreams light up, mostly thanks to the out-of-towners.

Locals tend to wait for the weekend to unwind, while visitors make it their mission to max out every single minute.

Don’t get it twisted Naivasha residents know how to throw it down. Maybe that’s exactly why outsiders keep flocking in on weekends to join the fun.

Inka Band performing at Leiyan Grills in Naivasha.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

For those without wheels, the famed Party Island might be out of reach, but that doesn’t stop anyone. Town clubs still thump with energy.

So, while Naivasha wears the suit and tie of a conference town during the week, by the weekend, it tears that off and throws on rave gear.

Just don’t expect the locals to keep up they’ve got work on Monday. But the visitors? They’ll be partying like the world is ending on Sunday night.

Like Nakuru, the party scene in Naivasha has also evolved, where the residents are opting to party in their neighbourhoods.

Additionally, the clubs have also improved on themed days with karaoke and band nights to make the Naivasha nightlife more memorable

Naivasha may carry the badge of a conference destination, but its alter ego comes alive under the weekend lights. And while the locals pace themselves, it’s the visitors who crown Naivasha the sherehe destination one epic weekend at a time.

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Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku