Nakuru didn't get its Vegas name for nothing. It is because we are known for being big on Sherehe vibes.

Its proximity to Nairobi offered people an alternative place to blow off steam and make some good memories, hence the NaxVegas title.

But as the party scene took off in the city, so did the event culture. Most of the events started as a community of friends getting together and creating something unique for people to enjoy.

Even as Nakuru's party-loving aura spreads, one would be curious to know why its residents tend to shy away from paid events.

Sammy Gito, an events organizer based in Nakuru city.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, renowned event organiser Sammy Gito notes that the vision was always to create a vibrant entertainment industry like the one in Nairobi.

"True to the vision, people turned up in large numbers after several editions of the event. However, over time, there was a need to introduce an event fee to sustain these events and also to provide better services and experience to the attendees," Sammy says.

However, he reveals that to some extent the entry charges has seen some events registering a decline in attendance.

According to him, the spending culture in Nakuru is low, making it difficult at times to get people to pay for tickets.

"As an event organiser, I would always measure an event against rugby. Rugby is one of the biggest and most consistent event in Nakuru and the tickets always go for Sh500. Events that mostly charge above this sometimes struggle to attract numbers," he says.

Secondly, he notes that some events just lack proper marketing. "It would be unfair to say that people shy away from paid events altogether. To some extent, poor marketing of events here has been the reason for low attendance. Organisers need to put enough money into promoting the event to get people's attention," he says.

Uba Wilson at the Galaxarium center during an Upgrade poetry show.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Upgrade Poetry organiser Uba Willison notes that it is still unclear why, when a celebrity is invited to perform for the first time, ticket sales are great the first time. However, when the same celebrity is invited for subsequent shows, ticket sales tend to flop.

"Instead of buying tickets for the experience, most people in Nakuru want something more than an experience when they buy a ticket. That is why you would hear them asking if the tickets are redeemable," says Uba.

Faith Nduhiu gets 'song of the year' award for her song Naringa Nawe in 2019 at the Great Rift valley gospel awards.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Gospel artist Faith Nduhiu notes that it is also difficult to sell out a ministry show in Nakuru because of the low circulation of money in the town.

"I had a live recording in August 2023, but after spending Sh1.4 million organising the event, I got Sh60,000 from it. Whereas in a place like Nairobi, with proper sponsorship and ticketing, artistes get a lot from their events," says Faith Nduhiu.

Broke or just stingy? Why Nakuru people shy away from paid events

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Purity Kinuthia