Why most Nairobi barmaids live in Zimmerman

Ziima is named after Karl Fritz Paul Zimmermann, an adventurous German taxidermist who came to Kenya in 1929. Photo: Courtesy.

A majority of Nairobi barmaids love to reside in Zimmermann estate. ‘Ziima’ as it is popularly known, is barmaid’s capital of Nairobi. The estate is so cherished that the influx of barmaids grows considerably each day as revellers troop to the hood. Located in Nairobi’s Eastlands, off the Thika Superhighway, and 13 kilometres from Nairobi, the sprawling middle-income estate has more bars than shops and hotels, making it a ‘barmaid nation.’ Here, rents average Sh10,000, which is quite affordable for many of the barmaids.

It’s noisy, ever busy and congested, with vehicles and pedestrians setting out for the evening’s entertainment. The sky glows dull red as light percolates through the haze of coal smoke. Offensive odour fills the alleys - a concoction of garbage, coal dust and animal waste. The average of barmaids in the area ranges between Sh20,000 and Sh30,000 — and it helps that bars and clubs in Zimmermann don’t follow ‘Mututho Laws.’ On weekends, the hunting and gathering business is always at the peak because the estate is usually packed. Ann Shiko says the presence of drinking joints in the area has attracted barmaids from all over the country because of the flow of cash and affordable houses.