Naomi Muchiri’s journey from Kenya to becoming one of the best chefs in the US is nothing short of inspiring.
Born into a struggling family, Naomi’s fortunes changed when her brother Samuel Kimani, who had ventured to the US and found success, extended a helping hand to her.
With his support, Naomi secured a green card and embarked on a life-changing journey.
“Once I reached the US, I stayed at my brother’s place, along with my sister-in-law Josephine Kimani, who took care of me as I hustled through odd jobs. It was during this time that I landed a caregiving job,” Naomi, a former footballer who had a stint with Thika Medisca United, now Thika Queens, as a striker, said.
However, her passion for cooking soon led her down a different path.
Despite having dropped out of college after studying catering at Utalii College, Naomi’s culinary skills caught the attention of those around her.
Word spread about her delicious cooking, and she found herself cooking for various households.
“I enrolled at Utalii College to study catering, but I dropped out after giving birth, which made it impossible for me to continue,” Naomi explained.
Driven by her love for cooking, Naomi’s brother, Samuel Kimani, seized the opportunity to bring her on board as the executive chef at his restaurant, Jambo Grill, in Alabama.
In her role, Naomi oversees various aspects of the kitchen, including menu development, recipe creation, kitchen management, and food quality control.
At Jambo Grill, Naomi prepares a delectable array of African dishes, including ugali, bhajia, fish, and various types of meat such as matumbo, goat meat, and nyama choma.
The restaurant has gained a reputation for serving some of the best African cuisine in the area, attracting patrons from around the world.
Reflecting on her journey, Naomi expresses gratitude to her brother, Samuel, for his unwavering support. She acknowledges that without his assistance, she wouldn’t have achieved her current success.
“If it weren’t for our brother Samuel’s support and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today, achieving my dreams in the culinary world. I am immensely grateful to him for all the opportunities he has provided and the distance he has helped me travel on my journey,” Naomi concluded with heartfelt gratitude.
As Naomi continues to excel in her culinary career, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and looks forward to further growth and success in the future.
