Nakuru CBD clubs losing steam as revellers take the party closer home

As you walk past Spades Sports Bar and Grill, a notice on the entrance greets you announcing that the venue is temporarily closed for renovations.

Spades lounge has long been one of the key nightlife spots along Nakuru’s Kenyatta Avenue, working hard to draw revellers into the city centre. 

With live band nights, karaoke, a fully stocked bar, themed game nights, Sunday brunch, and a restaurant, the club offered a variety of experiences to keep patrons coming back.

But in recent months, dwindling numbers have been evident—a trend not unique to Spades. Many clubs along Kenyatta Avenue have been feeling the pinch. While some remain resilient, others have shut down altogether.

Sanschic is another establishment facing a similar challenge. Foot traffic has significantly declined compared to when it first launched. In an effort to bounce back, the club has embraced themed nights to reignite interest.

Interestingly, on game nights, the clubs tend to fill up—football fans flocking in to support their teams and exchange playful banter with rivals. Yet, once the final whistle blows, nearly half the crowd disperses.

Among the notable spots that once graced Kenyatta Avenue is Club Sixty-Four, which sat atop Masters Plaza. From there, you could enjoy panoramic views of Nakuru town and its once lively nightlife.

Before Spades, Moca Loca occupied the same venue, a chic coffee joint famed for its happy hour and massive cocktail glasses that became a signature experience.

But it is now evident that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of nightlife, pushing entertainment closer to residential areas.

These new locations cater to a diverse clientele, offering authenticity, accessibility, and variety—drawing people who prefer partying near home rather than within town.

Meanwhile, the city centre’s nightlife scene has dimmed, leaving some clubs hanging on by a thread.

Only time will tell whether the clubs along Kenyatta Avenue can reinvent themselves, attract new crowds and avoid fading into obscurity.