Networks Padel Village Kenya hosted an exclusive “After Dark” padel tournament, drawing fashion-forward players and lifestyle tastemakers to the courts for an evening that blended competitive sport with socializing.
The event, sponsored by premium gin brand Tanqueray, showcased why padel is rapidly becoming Kenya’s newest lifestyle obsession.
Unlike traditional racquet sports, padel combines the accessibility of casual play with an undeniable sense of style, attracting a crowd that values both athletic performance and aesthetic presentation.
“Padel embodies the rhythm of today’s social scene, active, elegant and unapologetically stylish,” said Nancy Nansikombi, Tanqueray Brand Manager. “We wanted to show that every match, every serve and every sip can be a moment of showmanship.”
Padel, which began as a niche activity has evolved into a full blown movement, with new facilities opening across Nairobi and a growing calendar of tournaments. The appeal comes from the fact that most feel padel is easier to learn than tennis, inherently social due to its doubles focused format and takes place on a smaller court that encourages interaction and community building.
The event offered something beyond typical tournament fare. Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Wangari Mwangi led an interactive cocktail masterclass that invited both players and spectators to step behind the bar and create their own drinks. The hands on session gave attendees a chance to learn about mixology while discovering Tanqueray’s distinct flavour profile.
This fusion of sport and lifestyle speaks to why padel is resonating so strongly with Nairobi’s social scene. The sport offers something that feels genuinely new in a city where weekend activities often revolve around the same familiar venues.
