Caption for the landscape image: How Nakuru’s night economy dream was dimmed by darkness and crime Sunday, February 15, 2026 Scroll down to read the article A man directs a motorist along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru City on February 12, 2026. Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group By Eric Matara & Mercy Koskei Summary Article Related What you need to know: In Nakuru, by 8pm, streets are largely deserted, traders shut their shops and residents make a beeline for safety.Poorly maintained or non-functional lights leave large sections of Nakuru in darkness, creating perfect conditions for crime. When Nakuru attained city status on December 1, 2021, residents and business people were filled with optimism. They envisioned the Rift Valley’s largest commercial hub evolving into a vibrant 24-hour economy akin to Nairobi and other major cities. PREMIUM Membley residents cry out as bars blast music into homes Two popular entertainment joints accused of causing noise pollution. PREMIUM Nairobians walk 7 hours to Gatundu, testing the mind and muscles It was a chance to meet new people, share stories, and embrace a slow, deliberate way of turning weekends into adventures. . Recommended for you PREMIUM Why 7,000 land disputes remain stuck at NLC PREMIUM Cops gone rogue: Inside a trail of jailbreaks PREMIUM Sh500m fines, parental consent: New tough social media rules for children, providers PREMIUM Why NPSC rejected Kiganjo boss Nyale Munga’s bid to stay beyond 60 Login to join the discussion Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In the headlines Elections News Counties Business Opinion Sports Life & Style Health Podcasts Photos Newsletters Puzzles PREMIUM Why MPs want a say in village elders’ selection MPs' push exposes battle for control of 106,000-strong grassroots army ahead of 2027 elections. PREMIUM What next for Matiang’i as Ongwae’s new party raises stakes in Gusii Ongwae says his party believes in neither the “one-term” nor the “two-term” narrative. PREMIUM Over 40 and still jobless: The plight of teachers locked out of TSC jobs Some have fallen into depression, while others turn to manual jobs to survive.
PREMIUM Membley residents cry out as bars blast music into homes Two popular entertainment joints accused of causing noise pollution.
PREMIUM Nairobians walk 7 hours to Gatundu, testing the mind and muscles It was a chance to meet new people, share stories, and embrace a slow, deliberate way of turning weekends into adventures.
PREMIUM Why MPs want a say in village elders’ selection MPs' push exposes battle for control of 106,000-strong grassroots army ahead of 2027 elections.
PREMIUM What next for Matiang’i as Ongwae’s new party raises stakes in Gusii Ongwae says his party believes in neither the “one-term” nor the “two-term” narrative.
PREMIUM Over 40 and still jobless: The plight of teachers locked out of TSC jobs Some have fallen into depression, while others turn to manual jobs to survive.
