Running a restaurant has become a thriving business for many Kenyans living abroad, offering both a taste of home and a new cultural experience for locals in foreign countries.
This venture has allowed Kenyan expatriates to introduce their rich culinary heritage to new markets while building successful enterprises. By blending traditional Kenyan flavors with local preferences, these restaurants have gained popularity, attracting Africans and foreigners eager to experience authentic East African cuisine.
One such success story is that of a Kakamega family comprising four brothers and their wives, who came together to establish Urban Masai, one of the most popular East African restaurants in Lusaka, Zambia.
Bringing the East African Taste to Zambia
Urban Masai has been operational for the past two years, offering an authentic taste of Kenya and East Africa. According to Bernard Oguna, the Group Chairman, the restaurant’s theme is deeply rooted in East African culture, inspired by the Maasai community and the signature dish, Nyama Choma (grilled meat).
“We wanted to create an East African restaurant that serves Nyama Choma, Ugali, Kuku Choma (grilled chicken), and Mbuzi Choma (grilled goat), among others,” says Oguna.
Beyond food, the restaurant’s design incorporates African influences, with different sections named after African themes to enhance the cultural experience.
A Family Business with a Vision
“The idea behind Urban Masai was to create a family-run business where each member could bring their expertise to the table,” explains Oguna, the eldest of the four brothers. “We wanted a platform where we could work together while also promoting African cuisine.”
Why Zambia?
When asked why they chose Zambia, William Oduor, the Operational Manager, describes it as a peaceful and welcoming country.
“Zambia is an amazing place, and as a Kenyan, I immediately felt the warmth of the people. They don’t see us as competition but rather as partners complementing what they already have,” Oduor says.
With a strong network of friends and business associates, expanding to Zambia was a smooth process for the family.
What It Takes to Run a Successful Restaurant
Starting a restaurant in Zambia required the family to meet various regulatory requirements, including obtaining licenses, ensuring health certifications for staff, and hiring experienced professionals in the food industry.
Urban Masai now operates with a team of over 50 staff members, consisting of different nationalities, with the majority being Zambians. The restaurant serves more than 300 customers daily, including locals, expatriates, and tourists looking for an authentic East African dining experience.
Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites
According to the team, their signature cuisine is what keeps customers coming back.
“Our best-selling dishes are Nyama Choma, Chicken Nyama Choma, and other grilled meat specialties,” says Cosmas Murunga, the Head Chef.
He adds that the restaurant also offers a wide variety of meals, including breakfast options, sandwiches, and Urban Specials. Some of their most popular dishes include Makange Fish, Makange Chicken, and Makange Goat, which are uniquely prepared using special East African spices.
