The city that never sleeps: The unsung heroes powering Nairobi through the night

As darkness falls over Nairobi – the streets transform into a totally new world.

As thousands of residents hurry back home after toiling and moiling in the city – many others get down to work just as the sun goes to sleep.

Their work is to keep the capital running long after sunset.

From guards and food hawkers, taxi drivers, night nurses to club bouncers – these are the people who fuel Nairobi's vibrant night life.

At a busy office complex in the heart of Nairobi, security guard James Mwangi starts his 12-hour shift at 5 p.m.

Armed with a club, a flashlight and many years of experience, Mwangi patrols the premises ensuring the property remain safe.

"The real work begins at night, when everyone else has gone home to rest," says Mwangi who has been a guard for 10 years.

"It is refreshing to know that people can sleep peacefully at night because we are protecting their businesses. This gives me a sense of pride,” says Mwangi.

A few metres away, the smell hot coffee fills the air. Street food vendor Harrison Onjiko serves night-shift workers hot coffee to warm their bellies in the night. These are his customers. Many even know him by name.

His small mobile tea stand comes alive after sunset and will always remain open until the arrival of dawn.

"This business is best at night," he says. "People working late need tea or coffee, and I am here to serve them.

The job helps Onjiko to support his family, take his two children to school.

Transport is yet another important component of Nairobi's nighttime economy.

Phanuel Kamau spends most of his nights moving around the city, transporting people to their workplaces, hospitals, hotels, lodging areas, entertainment spots and homes.

"This big city never really sleeps," Kariuki explains.

"As riders we help people to move around safely in the city because there are no public transport vehicles at night,” says Kariuki.

Healthcare professionals also play an important role at night – making sure that the sick and the injured are attended to and kept alive.

The same applies to ambulance drivers – who have to stay awake just in case their services are needed.

"Diseases and emergencies can occur at any time!" says Maureen Wanjiku, a nurse at a private health facility in Nairobi. "A lot of emergencies actually occur at night – when many are asleep,” she says.

These worker work together to power the backbone of Nairobi economy at night – when majority are asleep.

There are many others – in other professions whose efforts silently help to power Nairobi city through the night – making sure that ours is a 24-hour-economy.