Nakuru’s 24-hour economy dream faces reality check
A sign showing Naivas Supermarket’s Midtown branch, located along Kenyatta Avenue, has transitioned to a 24-hour operation
Nakuru city is slowly but steadily witnessing a shift in how businesses operate, as a few major players begin embracing 24-hour operations. Once known largely as a daytime commercial hub, the town is now testing the waters of a round-the-clock economy, driven by changing lifestyles, urban growth, and the need to serve customers beyond conventional working hours.
In recent months, hotels, eateries, and supermarkets have been at the forefront of this transition. Supermarkets such as Naivas and Magunas have extended their operating hours in select outlets, joining a small but growing list of businesses experimenting with overnight trade.
This gradual move signals an important change in Nakuru’s commercial landscape, although adoption remains cautious rather than widespread.
According to Everlyne Wanjiku, a business expert, the slow uptake reflects a town that is transitioning, but carefully, from a daytime economy to a 24-hour one.
“The slow adoption of 24-hour business operations in Nakuru reflects a town that is transitioning, but cautiously, from a daytime economy to a round-the-clock one,” Wanjiku tells Mtaa Wangu. “While we are seeing progress, especially with hotels and supermarkets, many businesses are still hesitant due to security concerns, operational costs, and uncertainty about night-time demand.”
Wanjiku explains that Nakuru is not yet fully structured for a vibrant night economy. Consumer behavior, she notes, is still adjusting to the idea of accessing services late at night, while infrastructure such as street lighting and security has not uniformly caught up with the demands of overnight trade.
For business owners considering 24-hour operations, Wanjiku emphasizes that success lies in careful planning rather than rushing into extended hours.
“Location matters greatly, and market research is key. Areas near stages, hospitals, clubs, and major highways tend to perform better at night. Investing in security, proper street lighting, and shift-based staffing is non-negotiable,” she says.
She further advises businesses to adopt a phased approach, starting by extending operating hours before committing fully to 24/7 operations. Leveraging cashless payments and delivery services can also help serve customers who may prefer not to travel at night.
At the same time, Wanjiku cautions against assuming that longer hours automatically translate into profits.
“Running a night operation without understanding demand, staff welfare, or security risks can quickly lead to losses,” she warns.
To accelerate and sustain the shift toward a night economy, Wanjiku points to the need for coordinated action. The county government, she says, can play a critical role by improving street lighting, enhancing night-time security, and creating clear and flexible licensing frameworks for night businesses.
In addition, business associations can promote cluster-based night trading zones where several businesses operate late, making the environment safer and more attractive to customers.
Despite the challenges, the potential benefits are significant. A growing 24-hour economy could support job creation through shift work, improve convenience for residents, and position Nakuru as a regional hub.
However, higher operating costs, staff management issues, security risks, and uneven demand during late hours remain real concerns.
As Nakuru cautiously experiments with life after dark, the coming years will determine whether the town can successfully transition into a true 24-hour city or remain a predominantly daytime economy with limited night-time activity.