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Why Nakuru residents are embracing a new Christmas tradition

Businesses remain closed in the city center on December 25, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

By  BRET SANYA

Correspondent

Mtaa Wangu

As I made my way through the streets of Nakuru on 25 December, it was clear that the festive spirit had set in.

Most shops remained closed, and the usually bustling Kenyatta Avenue felt unusually quiet, with only a handful of people walking through the streets.

At the matatu terminus, the scene was different—crowds of travelers with luggage, but no vehicles to ferry them. Behind Top Market, I met Emmanuel Makori, who was stranded with his 9-year-old son.

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They had hoped to travel to Kisii to join their family for the festivities, but the shortage of matatus made their journey impossible.

“I planned to travel yesterday, but the crowds were overwhelming, so I thought leaving early today would be better since fewer people would be traveling,” he explained, laughing as he added, “Kumbe nilipiga hesabu yangu vibaya (I miscalculated),” Mr Makori says.

Richard Mwangi, the supervisor at 2NK Nakuru, echoed Emmanuel’s frustrations. He explained the seasonal trends in matatu operations:

“Between December 20 and 24, most vehicles head upcountry, ferrying passengers to rural areas. After December 26, the flow reverses as people return to the city. This shift is why fares are often hiked post-Christmas—drivers recover costs from traveling empty on the outbound trip,” Mr Mwangi says.

Meanwhile, Nyayo Gardens was abuzz with activity. Families filled the space, taking photos, enjoying picnics, and soaking in the cool breeze from the trees.

Street photographers near the Tower One building were particularly busy, capturing moments of people in their best "Christmas clothes."

To understand how people were spending Christmas, Mtaa Wangu ran a poll. On WhatsApp, six respondents said they were relaxing at home, while three chose to binge-watch their favorite shows. Churchgoers and party enthusiasts were tied at one vote each.

The poll results on X (formerly Twitter) mirrored these trends, with 69% staying home. Partygoers edged out church attendees at 13% versus 10%, and 7% preferred watching movies.

At Mtaa Wangu, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!