DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2015.v03i07.009

Pages: 1202-1207

Leisure is probably the most nebulous idea subject to many interpretations. Some people view leisure as a period of time they call free or unobligated time. For others, leisure is related to recreational activities such as competitive sports, cooperative games, outdoor endeavors, and cultural pursuits and socializing. In the context of colonial Kenya, the dominance of Europeans over Africans was visible. This article seeks to elaborate on the concept of leisure as practiced by the inhabitants of Nanyuki who included; Europeans, Asians, Somalis and Africans. Some of the activities that men and women engaged in during their free time are the epitome of this paper. The effect of leisure to the development of Nanyuki such as the construction of hotels and restaurant and the golf club among other recreational facilities is also discussed. Alongside the physical development of Nanyuki came the negative effects of over-indulgence in sexual lifestyle, which led to the spread of venereal diseases. Conclusions are not drawn as to whether the development of Nanyuki was influenced by the various leisure activities, but it is observed that throughout the colonial period, the town stood out as one with many leisure activities and events.