Biz Lounge: Unmasking Gen Z trio promoting fun without 'drinks' or drugs

The Nakuru Social Club, a fast-growing youth-led initiative, is making waves barely two months after its formation.

The club is founded by three young professionals Ezekiel Karanja, 23, a medical laboratory scientist; Miriam Moraa, 21, a student nurse; and Damian Nyakundi, 22, a nursing intern officer.

‎‎The social club has already attracted more than 3,000 members.

‎‎The co-founders say the club was born out of a growing concern over rising cases of depression among young people in Nakuru, compelling them to create a safe, affordable and fun space where youth could connect, socialize and find emotional support.

‎‎According to Nyakundi, who initiated the idea before his friends joined him, the inspiration came from witnessing how widespread mental health struggles had become.

‎‎“What inspired us to start this club was the rising rate of depression. We decided to form this group to help youths who are silently battling these issues. Our events are cost-effective so that everyone can participate,” he explains.

‎‎He adds that the club firmly advocates for youth to stay away from drugs, show up for activities and rediscover joy in healthy interactions.

‎‎“Our main message is for young people to stop using drugs, overcome depression and attend these events so they can connect and heal,” he says.

‎‎The club began humbly as a bike-riding group shortly after Nyakundi moved to Nakuru. It has since evolved into a structured organization with leadership roles and weekly activities.

‎‎“Yes, I had already started the idea, but my friends later decided to help me grow it,” Nyakundi recalls.

‎‎Today, the club has six leaders who oversee different functions. Nyakundi manages overall operations, while Karanja handles transport logistics.

Moraa runs social media, another Miriam manages charity activities, and Emmanuel oversees branding.

‎‎Karanja, who has witnessed the rapid expansion of the club, says leadership coordination is crucial.

‎‎“We are a team of three co-founders, but now we have six leaders. Everyone has a role because the group has grown very fast, and we need structure to manage it well,” he says.

‎‎The club’s activities, which include hiking, team building and group transport arrangements, are decided democratically.

Members suggest destinations in the WhatsApp group before participating in a poll to choose the next outing.

‎‎Karanja explains, “We ask members where they want to go, then create a WhatsApp poll. The destination with the highest votes becomes our next event. After that, we approach the management of the venue to negotiate for discounts.”

‎‎To sustain the club financially, leaders sometimes receive free services from venues if they mobilize enough participants.

However, Nyakundi admits that they often dig deep into their pockets when needed.

‎‎“Sometimes I have to use my own money, especially when we need to support unemployed youth who cannot afford to pay for activities,” he says.

‎‎Although the group has made remarkable progress, the founders say they face several challenges. One of the major issues is dealing with members who struggle with drug addiction.

‎‎Moraa says, “We can’t always chase them away, so we put them in a separate group to prevent them from influencing others, then we talk to them and try to help.”

‎‎She adds that late payments and financial constraints among unemployed youth also affect planning. They have resulted in selling branded polo shirts at Sh. 600 to at least deal with the financial challenges.

‎‎“Planning events becomes tricky when many young people don’t have money. Sometimes we facilitate them ourselves, and late payments also interfere with budgeting,” Moraa says.

‎‎To maintain a safe environment, the club enforces a firm zero-tolerance alcohol and drug policy during events.

‎‎“We do not allow anyone to attend our meet-ups while drunk or under the influence. If someone shows up drunk, we refund their money and send them home. We want a safe, sober space where young people can be themselves,” Moraa emphasizes.

‎‎Despite the challenges, the founders are optimistic about the future. They envision the Nakuru Social Club becoming a powerful movement that promotes mental wellness and healthy socialization.

‎‎“Our goal is to make an impact, to see young people get out of depression and become happy again,” Moraa says.

‎‎They encourage more youth to join the initiative which happens every Sunday.