Sips, shots and 'Thufu': Why Nakuru clubs are serving free bone soup to revellers

For Samuel Karanja, his birthday party was unforgettable. Drinks flowed, laughter echoed and no one planned to sleep. As dawn crept in, the group realised it was 5am - and opted for a comforting bowl of soup before facing the day ahead.

"When you're in good company, time just flies," Karanja recalls. "Some of us had work to do in a few hours, so we thought soup would help. If the club had served it, we might have stayed even longer."

Like many partygoers, Samuel swears by soup as a hangover cure. Over time, it's become more than just a remedy - it's part of his post-party ritual.

And now the Nakuru nightlife seems to be catching on.

Several local clubs have started offering free beef broth to their late-night patrons. What started as a simple gesture has turned into a game changer - balancing business smarts with customer care.

Ian Chasimba, manager at Space Next Door, says the idea came from a growing trend in the hospitality industry that focuses on improving the customer experience.

"The soup is free and our guests love it. It makes them stay longer making the night more enjoyable," says Chasimba. "We've seen people staying past dawn - it's helped extend the vibe while keeping things responsible."

Apart from boosting sales, Chasimba says the initiative promotes mindful drinking. The club ensures that the soup meets all health standards, working closely with local health inspectors to maintain quality and safety.

"It's not just about profits," he stresses. "It's about showing customers that we care."

And the concept may be evolving. "We're thinking of adding meat bites soon - just another way of saying thank you," adds Chasimba with a smile.

As Nakuru's clubs find creative ways to combine fun and wellness, one thing is clear: sometimes a warm bowl of soup is all it takes to turn a good night into a great morning.