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| Eldoret: Kikao64 'Sip n Paint' | P/c Onchangwa Photography |
Kikao 64 has introduced a chilled concept for the ones who are not so much into the nightlife or would like to start their rendezvous early in the day and then probably end it with a night out.
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| The sip and paint event that happened on Saturday 12th, November |
The hub’s name is derived from ‘Kikao’ which is a Swahili word meaning ‘meeting place’ and‘64’ from ‘farm 64’ during the colonial era which was a name the white settlers had chosen for Eldoret, while the locals pronounced it as ‘sisibo’.
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| P/c - kikao 64 (Instagram) |
Its location on Kenyatta street is a reminder of pre-colonial times when certain streets in the town were restricted to only white settlers, despite the painful memory, it now accommodates and unites Eldoret’s new high-tech community, freelancers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and nonprofits all together as a co-working space.
Walking into the sparkling clean building you will quickly recognize the scent of coffee and feel its pleasant soothing ambiance. Minimalists, artists, and environmentally aware persons definitely enjoy the space as Kikao 64 put in an effort to promote locally crafted materials, the use of solar power for light and recycled materials. The building is partitioned in different styles and one can choose where to work depending on mood or type of work.
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| Sip n Paint Experience | Kikao 64 |
The sip and paint event which was held outdoors at the back of the building started at 11 am and ended at 4pm, happens once every month on the second weekend. Simply from its name, the event entailed painting and sipping on a drink of choice, the idea peaked in the year 2007, founded by Renee Maloney and Cathy Deano originally from a wine franchise( corks and canvas). All this cost 1500 /- bob, and we got to take our paintings with us at the end of the day. A band led by Jonny Isaya, singer of the song Koinange played and sang their top-tier songs, you could hear the laughter and happy chatter of the attendees over the acoustics. Despite not being attended by talented artists and professionals, the idea is to have fun, network, and curate memories.
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| Eldoret: Kikao64 'Sip n Paint' | P/c Onchangwa Photography |
The event organizers ensured that everyone was comfortable and enjoyed their time. They made an effort to teach and guide us through the painting process. Student-grade acrylic paints were used in black, white, blue, brown, red, and yellow. Some of the attendees unleashed their inner Picasso while others struggled with the painting brushes but regardless we had a lot of fun. “ it’s been fun” -said Mona, one of the attendees towards the end,
“I am definitely coming for the next one” “ I love this experience because I interact with different people, and I’ve watched regular attendees morph into good artists who later on turned painting for pleasure into a money-making craft.”- Ejay who was one of the organizers expressed as we posed for photos.
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| Kikao 64 | Photo/courtesy |
This sort of event is definitely taking over the town as it’s always sold out every month and so do other activities held at the space. For those who like to stimulate their minds, Kikao 64 also holds book reviews that happen every Thursday from 5-7pm. During the holidays' children too have their own painting event. Make an effort to attend one of their events or book a working space with them.
To keep up with them check out their Instagram and Facebook accounts @Kikao64
Written by : Alek T. Malek Editor: Bornface O.