Throughout the year 2025, Nakuru was alive with parties and events that brought together the populace from within and beyond.

Both outdoor and indoor events were options available for the revelers who enjoyed the best mix of themed and cultural events.

With the event organizers bringing out their A-game, the city was out to shake off its previous label ‘ushago imeomoka’ when it came to entertainment.

‎‎From the homegrown Oldies and Soul, which hosted six editions and one Sunday Skool edition, to Naxouse, which successfully staged six shows, the calendar was packed.

‎‎In addition, Park and Chill emerged as a sensation, particularly for those who prefer good vibes without stepping into a club. Food lovers were also catered for, with events such as the Nakuru Street Food Festival and the Nakuru Food Festival drawing large crowds.

‎‎Cultural events equally saw a notable increase. We experienced two editions of Ndumo, a Kalenjin Night, two editions of Kikuyu festivals, as well as the Abagusii Festival, all of which celebrated diversity and heritage.

Revellers at Kalenjin Festival

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

‎‎Moreover, the year saw the launch of several inaugural events. Ol Skool Reunion brought back old-school Bongo vibes, featuring both Kenyan and Tanzanian artists, while Rhythm Fiesta offered a live band experience curated by Tamasha Band.

‎‎Ladies were also not left out, with the introduction of a Ladies’ Fun Day dedicated specifically to women. Recently, Friends of Matagaro has taken over Nakuru for lovers of oontz and amapiano music, in a more intimate and curated space.

‎‎The Bounce, a live DJ recording experience curated by Dennis Ngugi, popularly known as Giggx the Entertainer, has also continued to gain traction. Not only has it built a loyal following, but it has also provided a platform for talented Nakuru DJs to showcase their skills twice a month.

‎‎At the same time, there was a noticeable rise in more intimate experiences, including wine tasting events, cake and sip, RnB Rewind, paint and plant, Love and Ballads, among others.

‎‎Religious events were equally present, with Glow Monthly and Conference, Worship Café, and the Light Up Street Concert all making their mark.

The light up street worship experience at Masai market

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

‎‎Within the club setup, it was clear that mediocrity was not an option. Clubs brought in top DJs and MCs, while others went a step further by featuring celebrities and influencers purely for showbiz appeal.

‎‎Additionally, some clubs introduced themed nights, incorporating game nights and salsa sessions to diversify their offerings.

‎‎One interesting highlight of this year’s events was how party culture became more premium, with a standard ticket price averaging Sh1,000. At the same time, 2025 proved that cheap, redeemable, or free events are not Nakuru’s cup of tea, largely due to insecurity issues and fights that broke out during such gatherings.

‎‎However, this success has not come without challenges. New hosting venues such as Nakuru Golf Club and Club Jade Hekima have faced petitions filed by the Nakuru Milimani Residents Association over noise pollution.

‎‎This could potentially lead to limited spaces for hosting events and parties. Nevertheless, notwithstanding these challenges, we can only wait and see what next year holds for Nakuru’s events scene.

muthoniw813@gmail.com

Lessons Nakuru event's organisers can learn from Nairobi’s event experiences

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku