According to KTB CEO, Kenya’s tourism sector has received a major visibility boost after the high-profile visit by American streamer IShowSpeed, a global online sensation whose social media influence spans tens of millions of followers.
June Chepkemei said the streamer’s tour reinforced Kenya’s status as a modern, multifaceted destination defined not only by its iconic wildlife, but also by culture, urban energy and an emerging sports tourism ecosystem.
“The visit showcased Kenya as we know and live, our speed to progress and sustainability, our ambition and our wins, telling the authentic Kenyan story to the world,” Chepkemei said.
She highlighted the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium as a rising global reference point for Nairobi and a catalyst for sports tourism which was one of IShowSpeed venues.
She highlighted the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium as a rising global reference point for Nairobi and a catalyst for sports tourism which was one of IShowSpeed venues.
Talanta Stadium in Nairobi is nearing its completion
“Visitors are experiencing a new Kenya: dynamic, progressive, confident, inclusive and full of possibility, a first-world Kenya in the making,” Chepkemei noted.
IShowSpeed’s itinerary included the animal orphanage at Nairobi National Park, a helicopter city tour from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre rooftop, and a trip to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
His livestreams drew millions of viewers worldwide, generating intense online engagement and pushing Kenya into global trending conversations on major platforms.
During one of the broadcasts, the 21-year-old described Kenya as his top destination, calling the previous 24 hours unforgettable.
According to media reports, the streamer celebrated hitting a milestone of 48 million subscribers during the aerial tour of Nairobi organized by the Ministry of Tourism, while also reacting to the enthusiastic crowds that followed him throughout his visit.
“I love you all so much. We gained 360,000 subscribers and reached 48 million. Kenya, we will never forget you. Kenya is number one right now,” he said, triggering a new wave of international conversation among his online community.
Online, IShowSpeed’s presence has dominated digital platforms, with Kenyans and diaspora communities praising the government and private sector for leveraging the moment to market the country.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr.
Diverse cultural experiences
The Tourism CS Rebecca Miano told Kenyans that at Nairobi National Park of the events that happened at the parks with the streaming artist.
“Speed got up close with our majestic wildlife, even feeding a baby rhino he named ‘Rhinaldo.’ It’s a beautiful reminder that we are the only city in the world with a National Park at its doorstep,” Miano noted.
The visit also included cultural activities such as learning to cook ugali and chapati, riding camels at Uhuru Park, and playing basketball with youth at the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project.
“This visit has demonstrated that Kenya is not just a destination on a map; it is an immersive experience of nature, culture, and humanity,” she stated.
“Speed leaves behind more than just viral clips; he leaves a powerful reminder that Kenya is not just a destination, it is the Cradle of Mankind. You don’t visit Kenya, you remember it, you return to it, you wake up in it!” Miano declared.
Speed’s digital impact of the visit was immediate with livestreams from Kenya crossing the 48 million
