Live update: Senators discuss governors snubbing summons
A man directs a motorist along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru City on February 12, 2026.
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.
But four years on, Nakuru City still goes to sleep once darkness falls. A 24-hour economy remains a distant dream. As night descends, most businesses close and residents hurry home wary of muggings and other crimes.
The phrase “hurry home,” populariSed by an American singer has found literal meaning in Nakuru. By 8pm, streets are largely deserted, traders shut their shops and residents make a beeline for safety.
David Kuria, a businessman along Kenyatta Avenue, said traders close early to avoid falling prey to muggers or the increasing number of street children who have become a menace.
“Hundreds of street children take over the night shift. This has made the town unsafe for business at night,” he said.
Even major shopping outlets along Kenyatta Avenue close around 10pm. Residents blame the lack of functional streetlights across much of the city. Poorly maintained or non-functional lights leave large sections of Nakuru in darkness, creating perfect conditions for crime.
Peter Kinuthia, a trader, noted that although Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has installed some streetlights, many remain broken or vandalised.
A spot check by Nation revealed that major streets plunge into darkness after sunset including Moi Road leading to the Nakuru County Headquarters. Vandals have destroyed floodlights and authorities have yet to replace them.
“During the day, streetlights may appear functional, but at night, you regret staying out late,” said Mary Muthoni, a trader along Oginga Odinga Street.
Some of the most affected areas include Section 58 Road, Oginga Odinga Street and much of the Central Business District. Informal settlements such as Kivumbini, Lake View, Kwa Rhoda, Kaptembwa, Flamingo, Kaloleni and Bondeni have also suffered and residents here have been robbed, mugged and even maimed.
In recent weeks, neighbourhoods like Barnabas have witnessed multiple muggings, with many residents losing phones and other valuables.
The rising insecurity and limited business activity prompted Governor Kihika to convene a security meeting with county officials including County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara. On her social media, the Governor said the meeting focused on enhancing security in Nakuru City, especially in the CBD and ensuring law and order to boost the business environment.
Street food vendors prepare meals for their customers along Mburu Gichua Road in Nakuru City on February 12, 2026.
A source familiar with the discussions said that rising crime and the growing number of street children were key topics. Complaints by residents and traders about the lack of streetlights and insecurity were also highlighted.
About four years ago, the county government, under Governor Lee Kinyanjui, launched a Sh100 million street-lighting project, intended to enhance security and transform Nakuru into a 24-hour economy. However, most of the city remains in darkness. Residents now close businesses as early as 7:30pm to avoid falling victim to crime.
Currently, floodlights have been installed on a 16-kilometre stretch along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway, from Njoro Interchange through Gatehouse Roundabout to the Pipeline area.
Other roads with functioning streetlights include Kenyatta Avenue, Kipchoge Keino Road, Chui, Mashindano, Crater Climb, Lower Tom Mboya, and Matumbu Roads, as well as Pyrethrum, Freehold and parts of London Estate.
Traders appreciate the improvements but urge the county to do more.
“We want Nakuru to become like Nairobi, which operates a 24-hour economy. With proper streetlights and heightened security patrols, traders can operate past midnight,” said Joseph Towett, a trader.
Governor Kihika has committed to expanding and maintaining streetlights across the city.
A street light along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru City on February 12, 2026.
“We will repair vandalided lights and install new ones across all major streets to boost business and deter crime. So far, we have installed 206 streetlights countywide,” she said during a recent State of the County address.
Many streetlights installed during previous administrations were destroyed by vandals or damaged by accidents. The county government’s broader plan seeks to redesign Nakuru City into a world-class, 24-hour economy.
Plans include street lighting, upgrading informal settlements, constructing modern matatu termini, and enhancing the aesthetic value of buildings.
Nakuru has partnered with development companies, such as Tangerine Advertising, to install and maintain streetlights along key roads, including Kenyatta Avenue.
“Street lighting will boost security and attract investors. Lack of lights has hurt Nakuru’s business activity,” David Ngugi, a governance expert, said.
Mr Kibaara said streetlights complement police patrols to prevent crime.
“We will step up security patrols. Combined with streetlights, this will improve safety and encourage longer business hours,” he said.
