You know how it feels like there’s an unspoken rule that on New Year’s Eve no one is supposed to sleep at home? Well, last night proved exactly that. Even as I headed out for work, my only mission was clear: to bring you the experience the night had to offer.

‎‎I decided to start my night at Space Next Door, and even before getting there, the mood was already set. As I sat in my cab, I couldn’t help but notice people walking along streets that are usually deserted on weekends let alone on a weekday. It was clear that something big was happening.

‎‎As we approached Space Next Door, the cab driver asked me to alight at the highway, having already spotted a traffic build-up at the entrance. When I stepped out, I quickly realized the congestion wasn’t just normal road traffic, it was caused by revelers who were all trying to get into the club.

‎‎Security was visibly tight. Both entrances were heavily guarded, with revelers only allowed to use one gate. At first, I thought this was unique to Space Next Door, but it soon became clear that 7D Platinum was also operating under the same arrangement: heavy security and a single access point for entry.

‎‎At that moment, I began rethinking my chances of getting in at all. However, luck was on my side and I got the access through the VIP gate.

‎‎Once inside, the scene was unbelievable. It felt as though people had started arriving at the club early in the morning because it was already packed. I had to do the famous “march of honor,” weaving through the crowd just to find a place to sit.

‎‎According to Amos Ng’etich, a regular at Space Next Door, the situation at the entrance was already intense by the time he arrived.

‎‎“I got to the entrance, and it was already packed, with even more people trying to get in for the New Year’s crossover celebration,” he said.

‎‎Although Ng’etich noted that this was his first time experiencing ticketing at the club, he supported the move, saying it helped regulate the crowd.

‎‎“I don’t have a problem with ticketing, I just wish the two gates were being used to reduce the pressure at the entrance because people kept on coming,” he added.

‎‎At 7D Platinum, Joy Akinyi shared a similar experience, noting that ticketing made accessing the club more difficult as the night went on and numbers continued to grow.

‎‎“Though the queue was manageable, the other stress awaited inside, trying to get a place to sit, especially for us who came in late. It felt like the whole of Nakuru was there, but I had fun regardless,” she said.

‎‎Space Next Door manager James Ndung'u explained that the ticketing system was intentionally put in place to control the number of people entering the club.

‎‎He added that it was also crucial for ensuring the safety of revelers, complementing the additional security personnel the club had contracted for the night.

‎‎When the countdown finally began, it meant the world to the revelers. Phones were lifted high as people stood still, eager to capture the iconic moment. Then came the fireworks, ushering in the New Year in style.

Fireworks display during cross over

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

‎‎The display was nothing short of magnificent, with both Space Next Door and 7D Platinum bringing their A-game in a synchronized show that perfectly complemented each other.

‎‎So, next time you plan to usher in the New Year at one of the major clubs, make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowd and ticketing.

‎‎Anyway, Happy New Year, guys!

Crossover night crowds push Nakuru night clubs to charge entrance fees

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Muthoni Wanjiku