Its doors remain closed as light reflects from the opening in the middle that exposes the inside, catching the attention of curious onlookers who peep through its big colourless windows to see what remains of it.

The dust has accumulated at the entrance as it is often swept by light wind or passers-by feet, as they come to shield themselves from the scorching sun or intense rainfall.

Inside it, layers and layers of dust and dry leaves blown over from the nearby trees settle in the dilapidated establishment.

If you are a Nakuru OG, then you would know the Courtyard Hotel, one opposite Posta offices, and the Nakuru City ultra-modern fire station.

And if you’re still an OG, you know it was a banger restaurant and bar in the late 90s but only meant for people from a certain social class- upper middle class,

This ‘special’ group enjoyed the hot beverages being served as well as the cold ones when making deals or discussing matters of national importance in low and loud tones.

Legend has it, at this point ni legend, that before transitioning to its new name, it was previously known as Kabeer, says Raphael Munge, a veteran journalist in Nakuru.

An aerial view of Courtyard hotel in Nakuru city. Photo taken on November 4, 2024.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

“Then, it accommodated fewer people. Majority were people from the upper middle class like advocates and journalists, among other revellers. It also had a restaurant and chill bar,” says Munge.

Three years later, into its Kabeer name, the hotel changed to the courtyard and was now visibly divided into sections- in case loud music was not your cup of tea- you moved to a less quiet place.

According to Munge, the hotel also attracted a lot of customers due to its cleanliness.

Since its closure in 2017, Munge opines that like many other businesses in Nakuru, its likely the hotel collapsed due to a ‘no spend culture’ in Nakuru.

“Since it catered to a niche population, it took a hit like other businesses as customers started reverting to their previous dens where they’d get everything for less. This is typical in Nakuru if one has noticed the trends- people patronize anything shiny that comes their way, but after a while, the hype is lost, and people go back to the norm,” explains Munge.

There is also word that it may have fallen to its knees due to competition from a previous restaurant opposite it.

Now, the once envied establishment has lost its appeal to customers, remaining bare, with dilapidated structures.

An inside source tells Mtaa Wangu that it’s been in the market for quite a while, initially as a rental but now the current owner refuses to budge and is insistent on selling the place.

For those with a solid business idea, the place is up for grabs.

The rise and fall of Courtyard hotel

Author Spotlight

Leleti Jassor