Located on the Southern part of Nakuru City, Kanu street is one of the most famous streets.

It is here that men from different corners of the town and beyond converge for rest and pleasure.

The history of the street dates back to the colonial period when the area was part of the Langalanga motor race circuit. The street offered a cheering spot for the spectators during the racing events.

Spectators would hold celebrations along the route which led to the mushrooming of the drinking joints.

Former President Daniel Moi named the street after the ruling party KANU when he settled IDPs affected by the 1992 post-election violence.

Kanu street christened as K-street similar to Nairobi’s Koinange street is Nakuru's red light district owing to the many call girls that are found here.

The scantily dressed women with showy pieces of clothes parade themselves strategically outside the entrances of bars and lodgings in order to lure thirsty men into their cages. They charge from as little as Sh 200 for a steamy moment.

The business is usually at peak during the weekends and end of the month.

On a typical day, there are numerous business activities in the area with many people moving in and outside the shops, pubs and restaurants.

Town service Matatu’s plying the route will operate until late into the night while bodaboda operators wait at the various sheds erected few meters apart.

Wilbur Imbulu who is one of the operators said majority of his customers are people moving from one joint to another as well as the twilight girls.

“Others tell me to scout and deliver them a specific call girl. I also transport the women to their clients and get paid to wait to take her back to her spot,” said Mr Imbulu.

The street boasts of a record 200 plus pubs, lodges and illegal brothels that operate day and night and is perhaps the only one in the city to run a 24-hour economy.

jopenda@ke.nationmedia.com

The Street that Never Sleeps

Author Spotlight

Joseph Openda