Space Next Door Nakuru backlash has erupted on social media after a promotional video showed hostesses’ school uniforms in a marketing stunt aimed at attracting customers to the popular nightclub. The footage, originally posted on TikTok and later deleted, depicted young women dressed in pink primary school-style outfits dancing outside the venue, sparking widespread condemnation for potentially promoting inappropriate themes.
This Space Next Door Nakuru backlash highlights growing concerns about ethical advertising in Kenya’s entertainment industry, with critics accusing the club of exploiting childhood imagery for commercial gain.
The controversy began when Space Next Door Nakuru, known for its vibrant nightlife and live music events, uploaded a TikTok video on August 15, 2025, featuring hostesses in short pink skirts, white shirts, and sweaters reminiscent of Kenyan primary school uniforms.
The clip, set to upbeat music, showed the group performing synchronized dances in the club’s parking lot under neon lights, intended to draw crowds for a themed night. However, the video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views before being removed amid mounting criticism.
Social media users on X and Instagram labeled the stunt as distasteful, with many arguing it sexualized minors and undermined child protection efforts in a country where school uniforms symbolize innocence and education.
Local residents and online commentators expressed outrage, pointing out the potential harm in associating adult entertainment with school attire. One X user stated, “This is beyond poor taste, using hostesses school uniforms to lure patrons sends the wrong message about our values.”
Another post questioned, “What are your thoughts on role play in primary school girls uniforms?” accompanying a montage of shocked reactions from Kenyan women.
The backlash intensified as videos circulated showing individuals mimicking disbelief, with captions like “Relax, You’re Safe,” satirising the club’s attempt to downplay the issue.
The Video is Now Deleted on their Pagepic.twitter.com/4W6Z5x4dN4
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) August 16, 2025
Child rights advocates, including representatives from the Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children, called for regulatory intervention, citing violations of advertising standards that prohibit content exploiting children or promoting pedophilic undertones.
Space Next Door Nakuru, a self-described serene getaway offering food, drinks, and nightlife, has faced similar scrutiny in the past for bold marketing tactics, but nothing as polarising as this.
The club’s Instagram reels, which typically showcase party vibes and celebrity appearances, shifted focus after the incident, with recent posts emphasising “prime vibe Thursdays” without referencing the uniforms.
Management has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the venue suggest the video was meant as a fun, nostalgic theme night, not an endorsement of inappropriate behaviour.
However, the rapid deletion indicates awareness of the public outcry. The incident has broader implications for Nakuru’s entertainment scene, where clubs compete fiercely for patrons through creative promotions.
Experts in marketing ethics argue that such stunts risk alienating families and attracting legal scrutiny under Kenya’s Children’s Act, which protects minors from exploitation.
Influencers have joined the fray, creating reaction videos that amplify the controversy, further damaging the club’s reputation. Community leaders in Nakuru have urged authorities to investigate, emphasising the city’s family-oriented image.
“Our youth deserve better examples,” said a local educator on X, highlighting how the hostesses’ school uniforms stunt could normalise harmful stereotypes.
The Nakuru County Government, responsible for licensing entertainment venues, has not commented but may review the club’s operations if complaints escalate.
As the Space Next Door Nakuru backlash continues, the club faces potential loss of patronage from conscious consumers. Marketing analysts advise shifting to inclusive, respectful campaigns to rebuild trust, noting that controversial tactics often backfire in Kenya’s socially conservative context.
The hostesses’ school uniforms incident serves as a cautionary tale for nightlife establishments, where creativity must align with societal norms. With public sentiment strongly against it, Space Next Door may need to apologize to mitigate further damage.
In conclusion, the Space Next Door Nakuru backlash underscores the fine line between innovative promotion and ethical boundaries. As discussions rage online, the club’s future hinges on addressing the hostesses school uniforms controversy swiftly and sensitively.
