The last time I saw this many people gathered for a common cause was June 2024 #TukiReject.

This time round, the cause was FOOD. And boy, did people show up and show out for the first edition of Nakuru food festival.

By around 12 o’clock, there were just a handful of people at the venue, while others streamed in slowly. Some exhibitor tents were still empty, and others were just setting up.

By 2 o’clock, the crowd had multiplied — hadi if you wanted to find your friend, a phone call was your only hope over the blasting mix of music.

Some of the food displayed during the Nakuru food festival at the Barn lounge on May 31,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Like many events kama haudishi na county, you had to buy and sample different types of local and international cuisine — and the food queues? Kama tu ile ya high school ukingoja top layer.

From nyama choma, shawarma, cake tasting, Asian, Indian, kienyeji, Turkish, to pizza and burgers — it was a feast of both cultural and contemporary dishes.

There were also exhibitors who missed the food theme, but si bora soko, ama? These ones had faith that a big crowd would turn up. I still can’t explain where they came from, but hopefully they were able to draw in a few curious folks.

The growing trend of mascots at events didn’t skip this one. With their toy guns and dance moves, they attracted adults who suddenly remembered their inner child and kids, of course, couldn’t resist.

Two mascots play with toy guns during the Nakuru Food festival at the Barn lounge on May 31,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

The beer was flowing (so long as ulikuwa umeiona ), and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were available for revellers and chillers alike to let loose and enjoy.

The ladies WENT OFF with their Pinterest-inspired fits and if you thought this was just a nyama-fest full of wababaz, think again.

Parents showed up with their kids for a fun afternoon, and a designated children’s section ensured the little ones joined in on the fun too.

We spoke to the man behind the idea — Davis Kinyeki, Director at The Barn BBQ & Lounge and the Nakuru Food Festival. He says the inspiration came from the need to bring families together.

Davis Kinyeki, Director at The Barn BBQ & Lounge poses for a photo after an interview withh Mtaa Wangu during the Nakuru Food Festival on May 31,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

“Normally in Nakuru, we barely have events that cater to both parents and their children. So that was the whole idea- to extend the time families spend together,” he says.

Kinyeki credits the event’s success to the goodwill and effort of all the partners.

“Bringing people on board wasn’t easy, but we’re hopeful that day two of the event (today) will also pull a crowd. We’re expecting over 2,000 people and it's a mpaka che event,” he adds.

He assures us that hii si mara ya mwisho. Another edition is already set for end of August.

So if you’re all about vibes and inshallah, come through na marafiki and have yourself a GREAT time, nothing short of it.

Food, beats and vibes: Nakuru’s first food fest delivers!

Author Spotlight

Leleti Jassor