Fireworks, prayers, and merry-making as Kenyans usher in 2025

Fireworks at Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru on January 1, 2025. [Courtesy]

Residents of South Rift counties ushered in the New Year with fireworks, prayers and merry-making.

In Nakuru County, residents flocked churches, crusades, nightclubs and hotels to usher in 2025.

The crusade began on December 29, 2024, as renowned Prophet David Owuor made a grand entry in Nakuru city.

The preacher presided over a short service before his followers proceeded to Rift Valley Technical Institute grounds for prayers.

Apostle John Kimani’s supporters flocked Afraha grounds in Nakuru as they ushered in the New Year in style.

Although the preacher said 2024 had been tough, he was optimistic of a better 2025.

“Let us be the change in the coming year,” he said.

Nightclubs displayed fireworks as revelers enjoyed music and drinks.

James Mwangi, the manager of Space Next Door, said despite a tough 2024, the business has been booming.

He said they were planning to reduce the price of alcohol of attract customers.

“We will regulate the prices to accommodate our customers in a friendly way. We also want to do events to attract more customers,” he said.

Paul Mutemi, a businessman, admitted that he faced challenges in 2024 due to the economic crisis.

He warned that youths in the country are not safe, owing to the rising abductions and killings.

“President William Ruto should take charge and ensure the youths are safe to do their business and those abducted are returned home safely,” he said.

Hotels and clubs were abuzz with live bands, performance by renowned comedians and disco jockeys.

Renowned comedian, Professor Hamo, was at Sarova Woodlands Hotel where he was the Master of Ceremonies at a dinner dance attended by guests from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Dubai and local revellers.

“We came here to entertain our fans with a touch to give them the best music of their desire as we ushered in the New Year,” Professor Hamo told The Standard.

Sarova Woodlands General Manager, Duncan Mwangi, said they had registered 95 per cent full occupancy.

“Today (New Year’s Eve) we had 1,000 guests compared to half of it same time last year (2023) but hope to improve it next year (2025) in the fight for top honours as our tradition of ending each year in style,” he said.

At the Jacaranda Sports Grill, they hosted Kamuhia Night, a traditional Kikuyu way of ushering in the New Year that came along with live bands with the support of local DJs that was crowned with Darts Championships.

“As a sporting centre, we also needed to entertain our revelers with winners of darts championships walking home with cash prizes,” said Jacaranda Sports Grill director Peter Kinyanjui.

Members of Nakuru Golf Club also ushered in the new year in style.

In Maralal, Samburu, 2025 was welcomed through cultural and traditional celebrations.

Families displayed ethnic attire and engaged in sporting activities geared towards preventing teenage pregnancies and drugs and substance abuse.

Andrew Lokitambaa, a national hero on conservation, said for Kenya to eliminate discrimination in the warring communities, they need to engage in sporting activities.

In Kericho County, a spot check revealed that most entertainment spots, recreational parks, and churches were busy.