As you approach Lions Garden in the evening, the air opposite Sokoni plaza is filled with an aroma of different foods.

This is a complete contrast from the scenes during the day for when the day breaks, this street is swarmed with shoe shiners and beauticians offering mani-pedi services.

When Mtaa Wangu visited the spot at around 6.30pm, the food vendors at the place had a lot of servings to offer.

The menu comprises of chapati, kuku choma, mahindi choma, cassava, pancakes, vitumbua among other stews.

James Heri, 50, makes chapatis opposite Sokoni plaza. every day from 4.30pm to 6a.m.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

James Heri, 50, is one of the cooks on this street.

He notes that he starts cooking from 4.30 pm to 6 am, adding that his biggest clientele are those on transit through Nakuru, people working at night and the bachelors in town.

“I would say the city centre is as lively at night as it is during the day. One chapati goes for sh 20,” he says.

He further mentions that most food vendors here complement each other noting that each person prepares a different meal.

Lucy Njeri, a resident in Nakuru says, she has made this street her stop over every time she leaves work.

Lucy Njeri, a resident who buys food at the street opposite Sokoni plaza.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“I see these joints as a life hack for me. My favourite food is chicken and chapati which amount to 150. I see this as an easier hack than getting home and preparing dinner for myself,” she says.

Njeri adds that most of the time she also takes fried cassavas along for breakfast with a serving of Kachumbari.

Beatrice Wanjiku who sells the cassavas says she slices them from a price as low as Sh 10 to Sh 50 in order to accommodate clients from all walks of life.

Beatrice Wanjiku cooking pancakes opposite on the street Sokoni plaza.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“My customers range from street families to those working high end jobs thus the flexibility in prices. Most of the time I leave work past midnight or when I clear my stock,” Wanjiku says.

Asked about the security at night, Heri says they have had to reach an understanding with some of the street children who no longer disturb their businesses.

“This area is also well lit and opposite a vibrant matatu stage so there are always people around. We also have county enforcement officers and police officers who patrol the city centre at night so that gives us added protection,” he concludes.

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