This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a presidential address that dashed the hopes of entertainment spots, bars, and lounges to resume business. In the phased reopening of the economy, the inter-county cessation of movement was lifted, and worship places were scheduled for reopening, but there was no word on re-opening of clubs, bars, or other entertainment spots.
“We know that jobs have been lost and some businesses have been closed and many livelihoods endangered, and this is the unfortunate sorry state of affairs across the world. We must be aware that those who beat disasters like these in the past did so by first changing their mindsets,” said President Kenyatta.
Nairobi's nightlife has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city's entertainment scene, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has been forced to adapt to the new reality. Nightclubs, bars, and restaurants have been closed, and social distancing guidelines have been implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.
Entertainers, who rely heavily on bars and restaurants to make a living, have been forced to find alternative ways to connect with their fans. Many have turned to Instagram live shows, which have helped maintain their brand and visibility but cannot compare to the business they had before the pandemic.
According to the Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya, up to 250,000 people were employed at bars and other entertainment spots prior to the pandemic. The closure of these establishments has left thousands of workers jobless or on indefinite unpaid leave.
