NAIROBI – American internet sensation IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., has set Kenya ablaze during his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour, which launched in late December 2025 and will cover 20 African countries in 28 days.
Arriving in Nairobi on January 11, Speed was greeted by massive crowds and a special Harambee Stars jersey customised with his name and Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic #7, instantly turning the city into a frenzy. The fan welcome was so overwhelming that traffic on major roads like Lang’ata Road came to a standstill, requiring police escorts to manage the chaos.
During his whirlwind first day, Speed explored iconic Nairobi spots, including Kenyatta Market, where he humorously overpaid for a shirt, Mukuru affordable housing, Upper Hill School—where he challenged Olympic javelin champion Julius Yego, Uhuru Park, and Nairobi National Park, feeding giraffes and interacting with wildlife.
The YouTube star also dived headfirst into Kenyan cuisine, tasting ugali, nyama choma, mukimo, chapati, and feasting at the legendary Carnivore Restaurant, ultimately declaring nyama choma with ugali his favorite. He rode in a classic, colourful matatu, toured the city by helicopter, and called Nairobi the “most beautiful” stop of his tour so far.
The response from fans was unprecedented: Speed gained over 360,000 new YouTube subscribers in a single day, pushing his channel past 48 million—making Kenya his most successful single-country stop yet in terms of live engagement and views.
On January 12, he moved on to the Maasai Mara, bringing his signature high-energy antics to the safari. Highlights included performing a backflip in front of lions, sampling traditional Maasai cow blood mixed with milk, and receiving blessings from the Maasai community.
Speed’s chaotic visit has caught the attention of Kenyan officials, with President William Ruto and Tourism CS Rebecca Miano personally welcoming him, showcasing the country’s vibrant culture and boosting tourism exposure.
From wild city streets to the savannahs of the Maasai Mara, IShowSpeed in Kenya has been nothing short of a spectacle, giving fans worldwide a glimpse of Kenyan hospitality and energy — and proving there’s never a dull moment on his African adventure.
