How Mburu Gichua Road turns into an open-air living room at 7PM

Mburu Gichua road in Nakuru has always been a hive of activity, especially around 7 p.m., when the evening rush peaks.

Businesses are usually either closing for the day or just opening for the night shift, and commuters are rushing to get home. 

But lately, something else has been drawing attention—two large screens set up by Wa Morgan Wholesalers Chap Chap.

Since the screens were installed, the stretch outside the shop has grown noticeably busier, not just with movement, but with stillness. 

A portion of the crowd regularly stops not to shop or chat but to watch the 7 p.m. news bulletin.

For some, it’s a welcome surprise where pedestrians pause briefly to catch a headline, others stop longer, absorbed in the stories. 

During commercial breaks, the crowd reshuffles. Boda boda riders seize the opportunity to scout for passengers, while others move on or strike up conversations about what they've just watched. The groups exchange views with newly found acquaintances.

As the bulletin progresses, the crowd gradually thins. By the time the sports segment airs, only a handful of people remain, including some street children. 

At exactly 8 p.m., the screens go dark as the shop closes, and the crowd disperses.

For Collins Luvayo, the public news broadcast is a practical fix. “I usually get home late and find other programs running. This screen allows me to catch the news before I get home tired and head straight to bed,” he shares.

He adds that it's become a mini-social event. “I get to discuss current affairs, and it’s always with someone new.”

James Kamau, another viewer, says he stopped in the evening specifically to follow the Subukia incident that occurred yesterday (Sunday). 

“There was a fracas involving some politicians and the police in my hometown. I wanted more details, and I didn’t want to wait for the 9 o’clock news,” he says.

Jane Wanja, a trader stationed outside Wa Morgan Wholesalers, says the screens have been a game-changer. 

“I now get to follow the news while still doing business. Before, I used to miss out or rely on social media, which consumed a lot of my airtime,” she explains.

However, she also cautions that the crowd presents a risk. “It’s convenient, yes but you have to be alert. It’s easy to get pickpocketed in that congestion.”

As Nakuru’s street culture evolves, Mburu Gichua road is showing that even in the hustle, people still crave connection to each other.