The much-anticipated tea bonus payout in Murang’a County has set the stage for unusual activity in the towns of Kangema and Kiriaini, as commercial s3x workers, popularly known as “twilight girls,” troop into the area in large numbers.
Every year, the release of the tea bonus ushers in not only joy for hardworking farmers but also increased economic activity in market centers and entertainment spots across the county. This year is no different, with reports indicating that several women have traveled from Nairobi and surrounding areas, targeting the tea-rich region where farmers are set to receive a financial windfall.
Local social joints and bars have already started recording an influx of patrons. Elderly men, commonly referred to as wazee, have been among the first to arrive, eager to mingle and spend part of their anticipated earnings. Many residents jokingly refer to this period as “peak season” for nightlife businesses, as money begins to flow more freely than at any other time of the year.
According to locals, it is common for commercial workers to migrate to Murang’a during bonus disbursement, with the trend having become a predictable part of the tea farming calendar. Bars, lodgings, and entertainment spots often benefit the most, as the tea bonus injects millions of shillings into the county’s economy within just a few days.
While some community members welcome the increased business, others have raised concerns about the social impact of the influx, especially on families. Religious leaders in the past have cautioned farmers against misusing their hard-earned money, urging them instead to invest in long-term projects and family welfare.
Nevertheless, the streets of Kangema and Kiriaini are already buzzing with activity, as the countdown to the tea bonus payout sparks excitement — and controversy — in equal measure.
