Drunken Lecturers Kenya: A new way to learn and socialize

At first mention, the phrase Drunken Lecturers might sound like a joke or a reason for amusement. But hold that thought—there’s more to it than meets the eye. Drunken Lecturers Kenya is an innovative concept started by two young visionaries, Mwangi Mathias and Ian Mutinda.

Curious about what inspired them to bring this idea to life? Speaking to Mathias, he shared their motivation:

“Most people go to clubs just to drink, listen to music, and have fun. But what if we could change the club and restaurant experience? What if you could learn while enjoying your meal or drink? That’s the unique experience we’re creating.”

This approach reflects a thirst for knowledge, inspired by similar concepts from the Western world. Who would have thought that lectures could become a form of leisure?

One of the unique aspects of Drunken Lecturers Kenya is that the speakers are not conventional professors or academics. For instance, John Mark Njoroge, a lawyer by profession, recently delivered a lecture on the Great Lakes conflict. Interestingly, he chose to present on this topic not because he was an expert but because he wanted to learn more himself.

“The Congo crisis has been a major topic in the news, but African history often takes a backseat in mainstream discussions. I took on this challenge to educate myself on the Rwanda-Congo conflict and share my findings with the Drunken Lecturers community.” — John Mark Njoroge

Beyond the engaging lectures, Drunken Lecturers Kenya has also become a space for intellectual discourse and community building. Attendees come not just to listen but to interact, debate, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Rafiki, a first-time attendee, shared her experience: “I was looking for fellow nerds, and I found them! I loved today’s discussion on the Great Lakes conflict. I want to understand what’s happening beyond what mainstream media presents.”

For many, this platform is more than just an event—it’s a movement that bridges social and informational gaps.

Mathias emphasizes this mission: “Kenya faces many pressing issues, but the general public remains unaware due to social class divisions and media interference. Our goal is to break these barriers and make knowledge accessible to everyone.”

Drunken Lecturers Kenya hosts sessions every fortnight at AMKA Café from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. So far, they have successfully held three lectures on diverse topics:

The Economy Under the First Nyayo Regime by Keith Angana; The Craft of Beer Brewing by Tracey Mukami; and the Great Lakes Conflict (Rwanda-Congo Conflict) by John Mark Njoroge

With an ever-growing audience and an expanding range of topics, Drunken Lecturers Kenya is reshaping the way people consume knowledge—one lecture at a time.