Eldoret's Blue Lounge Restaurant Announces Business Shutdown: "With Deep Regret"

Eldoret's Blue Lounge Restaurant Announces Business Shutdown: "With Deep Regret"

  • Eldoret's Blue Lounge Restaurant has shut its doors, and the management explained the decision for the closure
  • The restaurant issued a statement thanking its customers for supporting the local business through thick and thin
  • The Federation of Kenya Employers explained factors that have seen many companies quit the local market

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Tens of Kenyans have been rendered jobless after the popular Eldoret restaurant Blue Lounge in Uasin Gishu county announced business shut down.

The facility employed locals.
Eldoret's Blue Lounge Restaurant has ceased operations. Photo: Blue Lounge Eldoret.
Source: Facebook

The restaurant's management announced its closure effective Tuesday, July 15, in a statement on its Facebook page.

Why did Eldoret's Blue Lounge shut down?

The management cited uncontrollable circumstances for the decision and apologised to its customers for the inconvenience.

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"It is with deep regret that we announce the immediate closure of Blue Lounge Restaurant, Eldoret, effective Tuesday, July 15, 2025. This difficult decision has been made due to circumstances beyond our control.
"We are truly grateful for each and every customer who walked through our doors. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and for supporting local business. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this sudden closure and appreciate your understanding during this time of transition," it stated.

Known for its lively atmosphere, Blue Lounge had become a favourite spot for locals looking to enjoy casual dining, parties, and special events in Eldoret city.

How did Kenyans react to Eldoret's Blue Lounge's closure?

Online responses to the abrupt closure have been divided, with many devoted customers sharing their memories and lamenting the loss of what many saw as one of Eldoret's most recognisable hangouts.

TUKO.co.ke sampled some reactions:

Vitalian Kemboi:

"Too bad that businesses are closing down one after another."

Mercy Kossy:

"It changed my life as a staff, too sad for me."

Denmark Koech:

"Oooh nooo."

Benson Kimutai:

"That's why one term still exists, President William Ruto must go."
Some employees who worked at Blue Lounge were saddened.
Kenyans regretted the closure of the Blue Lounge restaurant. Photo: Blue Lounge Eldoret.
Source: Facebook

Dan Kimeli:

"I am so sorry. But is the space up for sale? We can try something else."

Jovanis Sianda:

"It is very painful, but all will be well."

Mapoundz JN:

"Bad economy does not choose who you are, careerwise, tribalwise or even corporatewise. Ruto has to go."

Daniel Yego:

"It's because of the harsh economic environment."

Kipchumba Bett:

"This is sad. I was once a worker there. It was the best place ever."

Ian Mreggae:

"End of an era."

Which prominent companies quit the Kenyan market?

Policies implemented by President William Ruto's administration have driven several businesses out of the Kenyan market.

A number of factors have contributed to this decline, including concerns about political instability, excessive regulation, and growing operating expenses brought on by high taxation.

The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) noted that tax policies, worldwide geopolitical tensions, and climate change are to blame for Kenya's rising business expenses.

Some of the prominent companies that quit the local market are De La Rue, CMC Motors, Copia and Ukwala Supermarket.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Japhet Ruto avatar

Japhet Ruto (Current Affairs and Business Editor) Japhet Ruto is an award-winning TUKO.co.ke journalist with over eight years of working experience in the media industry. Ruto graduated from Moi University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Journalism. He is a Business & Tech Editor. Ruto won the 2019 BAKE Awards’ Agriculture Blog of the Year. He was named TUKO.co.ke's best current affairs editor in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023, he was TUKO.co.ke's best business editor. He completed the Experimenting with new formats and Advance digital reporting curriculum from Google News Initiative. Email: japhet.ruto@tuko.co.ke.

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