Amazing Kenyan Stories

At a lunch last week, a media editor was asked why the obsession with politics, corruption and tribalism in Kenya and unapologetically he answered “We serve what the public has an appetite for.” His answer left a sour taste in my mouth and I wondered don’t we as Kenyan’s have an appetite for positive stories to share? 

Put off by this indifference, I sought to challenge his narrative by looking at positive things Kenyans can be proud of- brands, individuals and products that speak of successes, aspirations and triumph of Kenyans.

I will be honest starting this journey; I had put my bar very low should the media’s assumption be right but less than ten minutes after googling Kenyan brands I stumbled on Enda- Kenya’s first running shoe brand specifically designed for our elite world beating athletes. In all honesty I have to get the people behind Enda to share their amazing journey, but that is a story for another day. 

Convincing myself its beginners luck, I didn’t get my hopes high until I stumbled on many more amazing Kenyan brands and entrepreneurs doing amazing things out. Lorna Rutto founder of EcoPost and recipient of many local and international awards recycles waste plastics into fencing posts while Double Dee’s Lingerie shop design and retail bras especially for our sisters with larger breasts. 

Banker cum food connoisseur Tony Onyango who has taken the art of nyama choma to a new yummy level with his Y-noT BBQ  brand and 21 year old Joseph Njau MD Digified Marketing Solutions who helps novices like me navigate the world of social media marketing with ease. 

The millennials haven’t been left behind, youngsters Kevin and Franco who I literally saw growing up have an amazing clothing line 955 Klothing- if ever you needed a classy designed tee shirt, you know who to talk to. Ever smiling Njeri with her design house Chillimango on the other hand proudly lets you wear made in Kenya designs across your chest while  Ankara World Investments, two youngsters have put back sexy in notebooks by with their beautiful ankara covered book covers- who said bookworms cant slay?

For those of you into Kenyan art, you must visit the Makina Market in Kibera where you will find Simon Mwami designer of authentic African designs that impressed Uhuru Kenyatta at the Just concluded Nairobi Show that he ordered for his house. The same market hosts a Mr. Ofula Owino who hands down has the best finish on any Kenyan bag I have seen - Ofula bags. His business card simply says dealer in ladies bags and accessories, but I am thinking he is punching way below his weight class as Ofula Bags should be on sale in the high end stores in London, Paris and New York.

Two days of searching of things Kenyan have given me hope that we indeed do have amazing untold stories to share. What’s your story? inbox us and let us create magic together.