Mombasa is known as a city of fun. Its nickname 'Mombasa raha' says it all. Nightclubs in this county are a popular hang out joints for both youths and elderly people, tourists and even the local residents. This has, in turn, created employment opportunity for numerous individuals to work as bartenders or waitresses.
Working hours of a regular waitress begin at about 3 p.m when 'she' arrives at the club. At this time, customers have not yet started streaming in thus the major tasks include cleaning and setting the tables. The club starts becoming busy during happy hour which commences at 5 p.m. This targets married men or women who are 'dutiful' spouses that need to get home in time.
Major 'action' begins at around 9 p.m when 'bachelors', teenagers and tourists trickle in large numbers. For about two hours, everything is peaceful and normal serving goes on. When customers begin getting tipsy, then drama starts unfolding. Indecent touching and name calling become the order of the day. Some customers even go to the extent of asking for 'lap dances' before they order more drinks. Offering a crying shoulder to customers as they unload their worries and concerns is also a major part of the job.
Ladies of the night (prostitutes) mostly view waitresses as their competitors. Negative reactions and sneers from them come in their way in plenty. "Acha kuniibia mume wangu" is the most common statement hurled in the premise.
In the wee hours of the night, sex workers start leaving one by one with their clients.
The club closes doors in the early morning hours. On a good day, a waitress pockets a reasonable amount of money in form of tips. However, if she is not so lucky the only thing she can go home with is suggestive stares and proposals or even bitter confrontations.
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