Tough times for jobs that thrive on gatherings

Timothy Gitahi alias MC Meso at a past event.

Timothy Gitahi, an event-based disc jockey (Dj) in Nakuru found himself at an unfamiliar territory since the first Covid-19 case was reported in Kenya. 

He has retreated to the village to tend his 20 by 20 farm following the government ban on all social gatherings which is what his trade thrives on. “I usually entertain guests during ceremonies like weddings, corporate and state events, meetings and conferences. But now all these have been banned,” says Gitahi, famously known as DJ Teemoh.  

Although he moved his trade to social media, his earnings are not as consistent as before and that is why he has turned to farming.

Heavy blow

“From March 13, I had over 15 events lined up. I was not only fully booked for all weekends but they were all called off in a bid to prevent spread of the virus,” he lamented. Meso Sume alias MC Meso is also a troubled man. 

The master of ceremony who depends on this job to provide for his wife and two children was dealt a blow after he lost 10 events that were lined up between March and April due to the pandemic.

Furthermore, Sume has to refund the full down payments he had received for four of the events he was to preside over.

Entertainment groups and live bands have also suffered due to the Covid-19 spread.