How the closure of Nakuru’s Poetry after Lunch is affecting creatives in the county
Chotara performing during After 6 vibe event
The suspension of Poetry After Lunch Nakuru Edition two years ago continues to be felt within the county's creative community, with poets and artists citing the loss of a vital platform that nurtured talent, fostered collaborations, and connected local creatives to wider opportunities.
For years, Poetry After Lunch served as a hub where poets, spoken word artists, and other creatives could showcase their work before live audiences while sharpening their performance skills. However, since the platform came to a halt, many artists say the number of opportunities available to emerging creatives has significantly reduced.
According to poet and performer Belvin the Poet, the platform played a crucial role in shaping her artistic journey. She recalls beginning her poetry career through Poetry After Lunch, where she not only had the opportunity to showcase her talent but also gained a deeper understanding of performance and the technical aspects of poetry.
She notes that the platform acted as a launching pad for many poets, providing an environment where artists could learn from one another, build networks, and grow their craft.
"This was a platform where most poets started out and got to learn and network with other creatives," she said.
Belvin the Poet receiving a certificate from Jim Gatani
At the same time, Belvin observes that the closure of the platform has had mixed effects on the creative community. While some artists became discouraged due to the reduced number of performance spaces, others adapted by creating their own opportunities and seeking new ways to reach audiences.
Consequently, she says the situation has encouraged greater collaboration among creatives, leading to the production of quality shows and helping Nakuru-based poets secure opportunities to perform on national stages.
Similarly, poet Chotara credits the platform with boosting his confidence and helping him develop both his performance and production skills.
According to him, Poetry After Lunch challenged poets to constantly improve their writing because each event focused on different themes. Discussions ranged from gender-based violence and sports to social issues and personal experiences, forcing artists to think creatively and broaden their perspectives.
"It helped me gain confidence on stage, learn production, grow my fan base, and improve my writing because every performance came with a different theme," he says.
He emphasizes the networking opportunities that the platform created for emerging artists. He explains that through Poetry After Lunch, poets from Nakuru were able to connect with their counterparts in Nairobi, opening doors to mentorship, collaborations, and performance opportunities.
He notes that many upcoming poets now struggle to establish those connections because the platform previously acted as a bridge between Nakuru's creative scene and opportunities in the capital city.
According to Chotara, most poetry opportunities remain concentrated in Nairobi, and Poetry After Lunch had provided a blueprint for helping local artists access those spaces. Its absence, therefore, has created a significant gap for young poets seeking exposure and growth.
Despite the challenges brought about by the platform's closure, poets remain hopeful that new initiatives and collaborations will continue to emerge, ensuring that Nakuru's vibrant creative community remains active and continues to produce talent capable of competing on national stages.
