Nakuru’s comedy scene has started finding its voice, and at the centre of that movement is stand-up comedian Cassiun Pius Ong’ondo, popularly known on stage as Oluoch Kariuki.

Through resilience and vision, he founded Nakuru City Comedy Club, a platform aimed at nurturing and elevating local comedians who previously lacked structured performance spaces.

‎‎Speaking about his journey, Ong’ondo explained that he began his comedy career before the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Nakuru had no established comedy clubs, and although he had a background in theatre, the closure of the performance space left him without a platform. Consequently, he made the bold decision to move to Nairobi to pursue comedy more seriously.

‎‎While in Nairobi, he interacted with established comedy outfits such as Punchline Comedy Club, Stand-Up Collective and Karura Comedy Club. However, he quickly noticed a stylistic difference.

Coming from a Swahili-influenced comedic background, he found that many of the Nairobi clubs leaned more towards English-style comedy. Nonetheless, through collaboration and performance opportunities with these groups, his perspective on the craft expanded.

‎‎Even as he performed in Nairobi, Ong’ondo and his colleagues occasionally organised shows in Nakuru. However, those shows were inconsistent. This reality opened his eyes to a deeper challenge: talented Nakuru-based comedians lacked access to regular open mic platforms, which are essential for refining material.

‎‎“Open mics are like a dream for comedians,” he notes. “It’s where you test jokes, write, rewrite and prepare for bigger, ticketed shows. But if someone doesn’t have the means to travel to Nairobi frequently, their growth becomes slower.”

‎‎Determined to bridge that gap, he envisioned creating a homegrown platform as Nakuru City Comedy Club where he serves as the head of operations.

‎‎Although the concept was formed early last year, the club officially rolled out its activities in September and October, culminating in its first major show in December. That debut event featured Nairobi-based comedian Arnold Xavier as the headliner. Despite a low attendance, the show was deemed a success.

‎‎“The show went on. Nakuru-based comedians got a platform. The audience enjoyed it, and that gave us the will to continue,” he says.

‎‎The second show, held in February as a Valentine’s-themed event, expanded the lineup for both local and Nairobi acts

‎‎According to Ong’ondo, blending Nairobi and Nakuru comedians was intentional. Not only did it offer audiences a variety of comedic styles, but it also allowed emerging comedians to network, learn writing processes and understand the industry better.

‎‎Nevertheless, the journey has not been without challenges. Chief among them is finance where he notes he has to source for partners to support the events.

‎‎Marketing and ticket pricing also presented lessons. Ong’ondo admits that pricing the first show at rates comparable to Nairobi events may have been ambitious for a new platform still building its audience base. Moving forward, the club is reconsidering its ticketing strategy to gradually grow and train its audience.

‎‎Beyond ticketed shows, Nakuru City Comedy Club is also investing in grassroots development through weekly open mic sessions dubbed Friday Shenanigans. Held every Friday, the platform welcomes not only comedians but artists from various genres, with a primary focus on honing comedic talent.

‎‎‎‎Five years from now, Ong’ondo envisions Nakuru City Comedy Club as a recognised creative hub a place where local comedians can build careers without necessarily relocating to Nairobi.

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Breaking new ground: Comedian Oluoch Kariuki launches Nakuru’s first comedy hub

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Muthoni Wanjiku