Several artistes have come together to give Nakuru a stunning mural next to the footbridge as you enter the CBD from Gate iguru, depicting the life form of Nakuru and how it has changed over the years.

The mural features graffiti works of Nakuru's transformation, Nakuru's father of art Barbushe Maina, Liz from the Nakuru Players Theatre and other pieces representing Nakuru's culture.

A colorful Mural of Nakuru as you enter the city's CBD.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

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Muralist Dancun Tungu popularly known as Dante says it is a partnerships between artists from different backgrounds that has made the dream a reality, adding that the project was also supported by the Kenyan and US embassies as they celebrate 60 years of good relations.

"The wall has always been bare, but I thought it would be a beautiful canvas to tell the story of Nakuru. Through Artolution, more than eight visual artists came together to create the enlightening mural, a gift to everyone who visits or lives in Nakuru," Dante said.

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Apart from Nakuru's transformative journey, they also want to honour creatives who have been instrumental in the growth of Nakuru's art scene.

Barbushe Maina standing next to an artiste painting the mural.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

"Barbushe has done a lot for the creative space in Nakuru. Through collaborative efforts, he was able to get Nakuru recognised as a UNESCO Creative City. This mural is just a way of celebrating his work and efforts in growing the creative space in Nakuru," he said.

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Speaking to Mtaa Wangu Barbushe, expressed his gratitude saying that it is an honour for him to be included in the mural.

Children participating in drawing the mural next to the footbridge wall as you approach Nakuru CBD.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

"I have been working in the creative space for more than 38 years, struggling to make sense of art. This is the first time I have been featured in a mural. To see this happening at home makes me more than happy," he says.

The mural project he says speaks to a new future for Nakuru as a creative city, capturing it as a manifestation of Nakuru's re-imagination.

He notes that the project is creating a new economy where content reactors such as TikTokers and videographers can use the graffiti as a backdrop while creating content.

Deborah Tumani a visual artist and muralist working on her art piece.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

Deborah Tunami, a visual artist and muralist from Mombasa, says it has been a pleasure to paint the amazing art that she hopes will put smiles on people's faces.

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"When I heard that there was an opportunity to participate in this project, I did not hesitate to travel to Nakuru. I had fun and I hope that the message that is being sent through the art will bring joy to many," says Tumaini.

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Why Nakuru artistes are painting murals in the CBD

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