Hosting an event during Kenya’s rainy season? it is tough but don’t panic! We’ve all been at a wedding, graduation or birthday where the heavens decide to open. It’s scary thinking it could happen to you but that’s one of the things you need to consider when you’re hosting an event in April and May.
Hosting an event during Kenya’s infamous rainy season requires just a bit more planning than usual. You know how we say, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”? Exactly that. You need strategy, not magic.
Photo by Унайзат Юшаева
Hosting in Kenya during these wet months isn’t just about having umbrellas on standby (though that’s important too). It’s about creating an experience so good that your guests won’t even remember it was raining.
Furthermore, with a few clever hacks and some forward thinking, you can actually use the rainy season to your advantage.
Kwa hivyo, don’t stress too much. In the following sections, we’ll share practical, easy-to-implement tips that will ensure your event stays smooth even when the roads are turning into rivers.
Hosting an Event? Here’s How to Beat the Long Rains!
Photo by Leeloo The First
Hosting an event in Kenya during the rainy season is all about preparation. Here’s how to make sure your event stays dry and your guests leave with memories, not pneumonia!
Tents and More Tents with Strong Frames
When hosting an event during Kenya’s rainy season, tents ni must! But not just any tent will do. You need those proper ones with strong metal frames that won’t collapse when the rain decides to do the most. Make sure you find a tent vendor that comes through.
Look for tents with proper water-resistant material and make sure they’re properly secured in the ground. And be serious about it because one strong wind and your auntie’s new wig might just fly away with your tent!
Additionally, consider getting slightly bigger tents than you think you need.
Why?
Because people will need to move away from the edges when it rains heavily. That space by the edges?
Furthermore, don’t wait until the event day to set up. Put those tents up at least one day before to test if there are any leaks or weak spots. Patch them up with tape if needed. You don’t want to be running around with umbrellas above your sound system while your guests are watching you like a reality show.
Indoor Option
Image by Nenad Maric from Pixabay
Hosting an event during rainy season in Kenya without a Plan is not a great plan. Therefore, always have some indoor space available, even if it’s just your living room or garage. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just somewhere people can run to when the skies decide to unleash fury.
Clear out unnecessary furniture to create more space. You’d be surprised how many people can fit in a small living room when it starts raining! In addition, arrange your indoor space in advance – don’t wait until everyone is rushing in with wet clothes.
Also, think about traffic flow. Your guests need to move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces without creating a stampede. Create clear pathways and maybe even assign someone to direct traffic if your event is slightly bigger.
Moreover, if you’re really worried about space, consider hosting in shifts! Yes, I said it! Maybe have the older folks come earlier and the young ones later.
This works especially well for birthday celebrations and small family events where not everyone needs to be present at the same time. Smart hosting in Kenya is about adaptation!
Backup Entertainment
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When hosting an event during the rainy season, your entertainment plans should be as flexible as a Nairobi matatu route during rush hour! That outdoor DJ setup and those yard games might become useless when the rains start beating.
So, prepare indoor games and activities that don’t need much space. Charades, karaoke, Kenyan board games, or even those controversial card games that expose your family secrets can save your event when everyone is stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop.
Additionally, have a proper sound system that works indoors. A small Bluetooth speaker from Oraimo might be sufficient for background music in a small room. Furthermore, consider entertainment that actually celebrates the rain! For example, you can race paper boats on water streams forming in the compound.
Sometimes the rain isn’t your enemy but part of the entertainment – especially when hosting in Kenya where we know how to make the best out of every situation!
Umbrellas/Rain Coats
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Our weather can change in seconds. One minute it’s sunny, the next minute you’re fighting the floods in Nairobi. That is why when hosting an event during the rainy season in Kenya, having umbrellas and raincoats on standby isn’t just nice – it’s necessary.
Buy those affordable umbrellas in bulk from Kamukunji- they don’t need to be fancy, just functional. Place them strategically at entrances and exits so guests can grab them when moving between spaces.
Pro tip: Write your name on them if you want them back afterwards (we know how umbrellas tend to walk away on their own!).
In addition, create a “wet station” where people can leave wet umbrellas and raincoats without creating puddles everywhere. A simple plastic basin with a rag underneath it works perfectly. You can even ask one of those young nephews or nieces to manage this station in exchange for an extra piece of candy.
Moreover, if you’re feeling extra thoughtful, have some dry towels or wipes available for guests who get caught in a sudden downpour.
Rainy Day Activities
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When the rain starts pounding, you need entertainment plans that will keep your guests busy and having fun. Nobody wants to sit around staring at each other wondering “sasa tufanye nini?”
Plan activities that don’t require much movement or outdoor space. Card games like Kenyan AF, or even those simple childhood games like broken telephone can turn a potentially boring rainy afternoon into a memorable one.
Additionally, prepare some music playlists in advance that match different moods. The point is to keep everyone so engaged they forget it’s even raining outside. Remember, the goal isn’t just hosting an event – it’s creating memories.
Portable Heating
Photo by Lukas
When hosting an event during the rainy season, don’t let your guests shiver. Rainy weather in Kenya comes with that cold that penetrates to the bones, especially in places like Meru and Nyeri.
A simple solution? Portable heating!
For outdoor spaces under tents, traditional charcoal jikos strategically placed can work wonders. Just place them where there’s enough ventilation, away from walkways but close enough to create warmth zones.
In addition, for indoor spaces, small electric heaters work perfectly. Place them in corners away from curtains, furniture or anything flammable. Also, make sure your wiring can handle the load.
Moreover, timing is everything when using heating during your event. Fire up those jikos at least 30 minutes before guests arrive so the space is already cozy when they walk in.
For early afternoon events, you might not need heating immediately, but have everything ready for when the evening chill kicks in.
Flashlights if it’s in the Evening and Power Goes Out
Image by Jordan Stimpson from Pixabay
Hosting an event in Kenya during the rainy season without preparing for blackouts is not a good idea.
We all know that the power sometimes goes on holiday exactly when we need it most, especially during rainy season. Having reliable lighting backups is mandatory. Therefore, stock up on flashlights. Place them strategically around your venue.
Additionally, consider rechargeable lanterns that can provide ambient lighting for several hours. They’re perfect for creating that cozy atmosphere while still allowing people to see their food. Battery-operated fairy lights from Kamukunji can also save the day while adding a festive touch to your emergency lighting.
Rain-Friendly Ground
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Nobody wants guests sliding or getting their nice shoes baptized in mud. Therefore, for outdoor spaces, tackle muddy areas by spreading sand or sawdust over trouble spots at least a day before. This gives it time to settle and create a more stable surface.
For pathways, consider laying down wooden pallets or stones as temporary walkways – they’ll save your guests from the embarrassment of landing on their behinds in front of everyone.
In addition, for indoor venues, keep several dry mops and rags ready near entrances. Assign someone to quickly wipe up any water that gets tracked in. Also, place old newspapers or cheap mats at doorways where people can wipe their feet before entering. You don’t need expensive solutions – just practical ones that work!
And speaking of prevention, if you’re hosting an event where people might drink, be extra vigilant about slippery floors. Your event ground should be as stable as your Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts: Rain or Shine, Your Celebration Will Be Fine!
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With these practical tips, you’re now armed and ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way.
Remember, some of our most memorable gatherings happen exactly when things don’t go according to plan – that’s when creativity and Kenyan resilience shine brightest!
So do not skip on hosting an event during this rainy season. With a bit of preparation and these down-to-earth strategies, you’ll conquer the rainy season.
