Popular Club in Nairobi CBD Demolished

The curtains have closed on a popular club in Nairobi Central Business District following its demolition on Saturday, January 23, 2020. A video captured construction workers demolishing the first floor of the building which hosted Mojo’s Club along Banda Street, off Kimathi Street. The entertainment joint located opposite Nation Centre was popular among journalists. “We had good times here” remembered Radio Africa Group Digital Editor Oliver Mathenge. 

“People are avoiding the CBD. With curfews, people are considering convenience and that’s why clubs are moving closer to estates,” Ndeti, a Nairobi resident commented.  “I started going to Mojo’s in 2012 when it was just a small room with red leather seats upstairs. We’ve seen it grow, and now we see it go down,” Alfred Ombogo stated. Mojo’s was the only lounge remaining in the area following the closure of Club Tribeka, which was situated next door in 2019. The club was initially shut down when the govt ordered bars to close but didn’t resume operations after the measures were relaxed.

The club’s equipment and furniture had already been carried off the premises.  Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya have decried the loss of more than Ksh1 billion due to the pandemic.  Despite the Covid-19 rules, clubs are facing stiff competition from estate clubs, wines & spirits, and house parties.  However, estate clubs also face a risk of being shut down over noise pollution in neighborhoods.  Popular clubs Kiza, B-Club, Space Lounge in Kilimani were shut down after residents raised complaints. Club owners argued that the judges who ordered closures did not analyze the evidence and should have directed that they reduce noise rather than shut down the clubs.