This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
Kenya's nightlife scene is thriving, with pub owners seeking to market it as the next foreign tourist attraction. The country's association of pubs, entertainment, and restaurants, Perak, has 70 paid-up members in Nairobi and aims to promote nightclubs and restaurants as tourist attractions.
At Kiza Lounge in Nairobi, the dance floor is full of ravers waving their arms wildly, while others are seated in cozy beige sofas watching big TV screens. The club offers a mix of music, food, and creative cocktails that draw customers in troves.
Perak's national chair, Alice Opee, says that despite Nairobi ranking among the top cities in Africa with a thriving nightlife, Kenya has not positioned itself as a clubbing destination to grow its tourist arrivals. The association wants to market nightclubs and restaurants as tourist attractions, just like hoteliers and the Kenya Tourism Board sell beaches, bush, and wildlife.
With over 4,000 licensed establishments in Nairobi alone, the city and other towns such as Malindi and Nakuru could join the countless destinations across the globe for clubbing enthusiasts to explore. Some of the top picks for a party globally include Ibiza and Las Vegas.
Club owners have invested heavily to give the entertainment spots a plush look, similar to those found in top party cities, with some adding casinos and kitchens. However, DJ KRich says that to compete with Ibiza, Kenyan investors need to think outside the box and create new club designs, including dance floors.
Perak is keen to be featured on Kenya Airways in-flight magazines and affiliated flight companies to market the clubs and entertainment joints. The clubbing scene has already received a boost from CNN journalist Richard Quest, who visited Galileo's Lounge in Nairobi.
Driven by a new crop of travellers, the industry is evolving, with some investors moving from just having nice-looking clubs and charging exorbitant prices to creating experiences. Demand for experiential travel is growing globally, as adventurers look out for authentic activity-based travel experiences, whether that is mountain hikes or club hopping.
