Wind of street worship blows towards Naivasha

The street worship trend is taking over in Nakuru and Naivasha towns. This is not a surprise as Nakuru County has always set itself as the country’s religious hub.

Ironic, I know, seeing as it’s also a party haven, often christened Naxvegas. But duality is a fact and two things can exist at the same time. No?

In Nakuru, the street worship event led by Gospel Artist Faith Nduhiu takes place every Tuesday evening at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Gusi Road.

The first time I noticed the gathering, I had dismissed them as just another group of people perhaps taking the opportunity to bring their Kesha from church to the masses on Nakuru’s unholy streets.

However, the song they were singing didn’t just catch my ear. It pulled me into the harmony of voices singing along.

It was when I stopped that I noticed people of all ages were singing together, hands raised, as the music resonated in the space around them, transforming the street into a church in that moment.

This has become a new trend in the Central Business Districts of Nakuru and Naivasha, where residents gather in the streets for moments of praise and worship.

In Naivasha, the first event took place last Sunday evening, drawing young people from various churches for a shared worship experience that will now happen every Sunday at 6:00 pm.

A remarkable aspect of these gatherings is the large numbers of young people who are present, challenging the perception that gospel outreach is mainly for older generations.

Jecinta Waithera from Naivasha shares that joining the first street worship with her friends was an unforgettable experience.

"I was thrilled to reconnect with friends, some I hadn’t seen in a while, and got to find out that they too, had embraced the faith. It was a beautiful experience," she says.

She adds that witnessing young people worship, pray, and express their love for God felt surreal.

Sheila Kimorning notes her enjoyment of the Nakuru street worship sessions, appreciating how inclusive they were, even welcoming street children to participate.

"Whether you’re walking home or shopping, you can be part of it. I was so glad to see the street kids joining in," she shares.

Sheila also appreciates the organizers' commitment to timing, which ensures the event doesn’t feel rushed for attendees.

Moses Waweru says that the Naivasha street worship event provided a vibrant gathering for the youth to express their faith, sing, pray, and celebrate their beliefs.

Waweru adds that it provides a powerful sense of community, as the young people connect over shared beliefs and values, often bringing a sense of peace, joy, and belonging.

As street worship continues to grow in Nakuru, I hope that this movement won’t fade, as it brings the message of faith into the heart of the community.