NIGHT LIFE IN NAIROBI

Nairobi character changes after the sun goes down as many Kenyans rush to their favorite joints to enjoy many interesting sights, sounds and entertainment. The city has a thriving nightlife scene that caters to a young hip crowd, expats and adventurous tourists a like.

So the next time you find yourself in Nairobi, even if you are just there on a layover, do not miss out on the city’s spirited night life. It is the thriving part of Nairobi’s culture.

The selection of the venue is based on the genre of music and theme of the night.

To gear you up for a 'Nairobi night' treat to remember, you may want to know one, two or more things about the Nairobian’s clubbing culture. For starters, clubs in Nairobi open as early as 5pm on weekdays and as from 2pm on weekends till 2300hrs as per Mututho law, which stipulates that if anyone is caught in a pub drinking past that time, faces arrest and the penalty is Ksh 30,000 fine or a six-month imprisonment.

But no, the scenario is completely opposite. Bars are packed to the full with people drowning themselves into bottles of alcohol.

The noise from the bars is massive as disc jockeys keep revelers on the dance floor.

The scenes are the same in estate pubs popularly referred to as ‘locals’, especially in Westlands, Hurlingham, Nairobi West, Langata, Zimmerman and Eastlands.

This goes on until the early hours of the following day when intoxicated men and women stagger out of bars as late as 6am.

It is business as usual as the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, which is named after its author, Naivasha MP John Mututho, remains in limbo. Now you know about the Muthutho law.

In no time what may have been appeared like small business meetings to a stranger eventually transform into groups of 8 sometimes 15 people hanging out together and having fun. At this stage the dominant activity is drinking, catching up with the hottest gossip in town.

Pretty much like a locomotive’s engine the evening picks slowly before hitting the temple at around midnight or thereabout. By then, the clubbers have begun to feel the effects of their alcohol and are ready to leave the lounges that they started off at and go to the night clubs whose surroundings promise louder music and a more boisterous activity.

Did I mention that Nairobians are notorious club-hoppers? As such it is quite unlikely that they will end the night in the club that they started off in. This can explain why you could be in a somewhat empty club at a certain time only to see it fill up at one go and empty at another.

Also, Nairobians tend to move in crowds determined by the social status they ascribe to. You are therefore likely to see the same crowd at different hang-outs more than once if you too decide to club-hop.

You are also likely to notice that most clubs in Nairobi are not too distinctly different from each other. Generally they tend to play the same genre of music, more often. The main differences with the clubs, however is on the size, décor and the price of drinks.

You will also find that Kenyans are very proud of their local drinks particularly the '"summit" and “Tusker”. However, while these will be the main features on their tables there are those who prefer straight shots.

Depending on the day you land in Nairobi, you are spoilt for choices as to where to go. As for me if I want to know what’s happening where, I like using event service for SMS 3707, for more info you can log onto www.sms3707.com if you don’t mind, Jeez they have incredible services, talk of technology!!.

My favorite joint is Florida 2000 “F2” sometimes know as sleazy, this sexy night club draws expats and locals from all over, and is one of the oldest clubs best known for absolutely stunning Kenyan girls mixing with not so 'beautiful' older western men!

The club open’s at 9pm, there is a small entrance fee currently Ksh 250/=, per person. Kenyans starts popping in as from 5pm, I asked around why so, but I realized its free entrance before 9pm. Then I agreed with Heartstrings Kenya on their recent play titled TheGoodTheBadTheKenyan where they stated that only Kenyans are late for church, work, funeral and everything else EXCEPT when disco is free before 9pm, next time they have a play make a date with them and I promise you, you won’t regret!!!

F2’s Major events starts on Wednesday where they usually have a Soul Night and If you enjoy entertaining others as you have fun “F2” is where you want to be on a Thursday Night. It is Karaoke Night hosted by Calif Divas. With the likes of akina Kendi around, I swear it can’t get better after a long day at work.

Friday is Rhumba Night with DJ Marto for Radio Maisha. F2 incorporates everyone on their schedule as they have a Jam Session for young generation on Sundays from 2pm till 5pm and later in the night they have Reggae hosted by Dohty family.

Since you can’t party in an empty stomach “F2” takes care of that, there is nyama choma food available and continental cuisine, all from Choma Cave Restaurant.

Affiliated clubs and entertainment venues are New Florida “F1” (Madhouse) – The New Florida Sometimes known as Madhouse or Madi, is found in Koinange Street. Here you enjoy Soul, Salsa, Techno Mania and Reggae on their respective days. “F1” is usually open as from 6pm but the charges starts as from 8pm which is currently Ksh 300/=.

There is also “F3” Pango – which is the latest addition to the Florida Group, and is pure adult entertainment, with live dancers every night of the week. Lastly there is the Florida Night Club and Casino, Mombasa, for those who might to explore at the country's Coastal region.