Kenya’s social events are starting to look like women’s conferences. No, really. From concerts to curated brunches, the crowd is inherently female, and social media has taken notice. Scroll through any event recap and you’ll see it: women dancing, women vibing, women holding the entire atmosphere together.
The men? Either missing in action or lurking in the background. They haven’t been banned. They’re just not showing up.
An example that sparked debate was the Mataha Festival, a music event that drew hundreds of attendees, but noticeably few men. Social media users quickly pointed out the gender skew, with photos and videos showing women dominating the arena.
It’s not that men are anti-social. They’re just… selectively social. For many, attending a weekend event doesn’t rank high on the priority list. Football matches, however, are a different story.
There, they show up in full force: loud, loyal, and occasionally shirtless. The energy electric, and the stakes clear. Add that no one expects you to wear cologne. A football match offers structure, competition, and a clear outcome. Social events? They offer vibes. And for some men, vibes alone aren’t enough to justify the Uber fare.
There’s also the matter of cost. A football ticket is often cheaper than a cocktail at a trendy event. For men juggling work, family, and financial obligations, a stadium seat feels like a better deal than a ticket to a DJ set where you might spend half the night wondering if you’re going to get a Mrs. Right.
The economics of leisure are real, and for many men, the math just doesn’t add up when it comes to social events. Why pay more to feel less comfortable?
But this isn’t just about money or match schedules. It’s about shifting cultural dynamics. Women are increasingly embracing public spaces for joy, connection, and curated experiences. They’re showing up, dressing up, and turning events into platforms of self-expression.
Men, on the other hand, seem to be opting out. Not necessarily from fun, but from this particular brand of it. It’s not disinterest; it’s different interests. One group is chasing vibes, the other is chasing goals (literally).
Whether this trend is a temporary blip or a sign of social shifts, one thing is clear: Kenya’s social scene is evolving, and the gender gap in attendance is sparking more than just memes.
It’s raising questions about how men and women engage with leisure, community, and public life.
Maybe men will start showing up once goalposts are installed next to the DJ booth.
