History
Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and has been practiced in civilisations across the world since ancient times. Horse racing in Kenya goes back as early as 1498 when the King of Malindi organized a horse race on the beach for the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gamma. The first proper races were held in Machakos in 1897, and the first races featured in Nairobi were in 1900.
Historically, horse racing has been referred to as The Sport of Kings, attracting the aristocracy, premiere members of society, actors, models, celebrities, politicians, and, most importantly, everyone and anyone with a love of horses or racing, or fashion, from all classes and all beliefs of all colours and of all ethnicities.
today, race days draw a varied and energetic crowd, including families looking for a child-friendly outdoor venue, students and young people enjoying the social atmosphere, and seasoned fans who come to bet on their favorite horses.
The horse races in Kenya are now the only races in East Africa.
The Experience
Horse racing is essentially a day-long social event punctuated by exciting races, fashion, and entertainment. When people come to the races, most will anticipate betting on a horse, having something tantalizing to eat, having something quenching to drink, spending some time with friends and family, and looking to thoroughly enjoy themselves.
The event features a vibrant and diverse food and drink market featuring some of Nairobi’s finest cuisines and most popular vendors, as well as a boutique pop-up market featuring artisans, fashion designers, and a curated selection of goods.
Racing in Kenya has experienced exponential growth from 2022, under the guidance of Kivuli Creative, attracting large crowds and public interest, and regular media coverage.
On race days thousands of people flock to the races to enjoy the excitement of racing and the lively social atmosphere. This escalating growth is expected to continue in the future, making the horse races an increasingly popular Sunday afternoon destination in Nairobi.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!