Growth of the nighttime economy is integral to the overall growth of the economy. Growth of nighttime visitations in urban areas is precipitated by the blend of retail, commercial, industrial, residential, institutional, and recreational activities. Some of the places that host these nighttime activities include restaurants, bars, markets, live music, late night retail, cafes, bars, and other service-driven businesses, such as transport. Food and beverage sectors are key contributors to the growth of the nighttime economy particularly in urban areas.

The Kenya Kwanza government continues to grapple with the issue of unemployment for its vibrant youths. The Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) approach to addressing the issue of unemployment is by changing the model on job creation and adopting a more inclusive one. The BETA approach suggests utilising the limited resources as opposed to relying on “white collar” jobs. To this end, the government commits to end exclusion and criminalisation of livelihoods. Notably, a major share of the nighttime economy involves informal economic activities such as bartending, hawking among others. These are the activities that extend the vibrancy of the city from daytime to nighttime.

The Nairobi Regional Commissioner in the past few weeks released a directive ordering closure of all bars and nightclubs operating within residential areas or within 300 metres of learning institutions. This directive was a result of flaws in compliance with an earlier directive issued by the government banning business operation of nightclubs and bars in residential areas in efforts to curb noise pollution. Nightclubs, bars and restaurants play a key role in the nighttime economy; they make places in the city feel vibrant, attractive and safe. They also play a role in promoting and developing the culture of a place.

The directive to close the nightclubs and bars in residential areas is important to enhancing the comfort of residents who seek to enjoy their rest without noise interruptions. It is also important for nighttime economy contributors to have a friendly environment to conduct their business operations. The government needs to think or rethink a strategy that would ensure implementation of their goal for an inclusive economy. This means not criminalising businesses in residential areas, but coming up with phased goals that ensure such businesses continue to operate and contribute to the growth of the economy.

The quick wins for the government could involve issuing liquor businesses with different liquor licences that stipulate varying operating hours depending on the business location. Nightclubs and bars in residential areas would have to operate for a shorter period compared with those in commercial areas. This would require strict adherence to set noise decibels and operating hours in the liquor licence. To achieve this, the government would require strict inspection measures as these businesses are likely to pose a threat to the security of the residential areas from the inebriated crowds or others taking advantage. Closure of businesses is not a solution as this will likely lead to undesired outcomes such as an increase in trade of illicit alcohol in residential areas or unemployment, which then leads to the youth engaging in criminal activities.

As a midterm goal, the government could establish nighttime hubs where such businesses can operate in friendly environments. The nighttime hubs could have venues or spaces for hospitality, entertainment, cultural and creative activities. On the other hand, as a long-term goal, the government could develop zoning areas identified for the nighttime hubs through urban designing. Contemporary urban design could also enhance attractiveness and quality of mixed-use zone areas. The urban design should take advantage of urban renaissance as is the case in the United Kingdom to cater to all ages and income types to ensure a peaceful co-existence of businesses and residents.