A Kenyan family has become a household name in Lusaka, Zambia, owing to the delicious meals made at their famous restaurant, Urban Maasai. Why did the Kakamega family come together? Speaking to Chams Media in a candid interview, the chairman of the group, identified as Charles Oguna said the theme of the restaurant is East African. “We saw the gap, everytime we we had a meeting we would ask where can we do choma? Then we said what if it was ours?” he posed.
According to the businessman, the idea was to have the African concept but of course, they are not limited to that; they have various themes in the different sections identified as Nairobi, Kampala, Bujumbura, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar. “We thought about running a family business; we wanted platform where family members can bring their expertise. We are four brothers, so plus our wives we are eight and our cousins,” he said. “When we met we kept thinking we have talent among ourselves but it is scattered everywhere, generating money for other people. What about if we had something that is working for us,” he added. How is Zambia as an investment destination? According to William Oduor, the Chief Operating Officer of Urban Maasai, they decided to invest in Zambia because it is peaceful with friendly people who didn’t see them as competition. “It’s a friendly county; it takes a shorter time to open a business.
You need licences, expertise and staff to have health qualifications,” said Oguna. The restaurant has 50 staff members from different nationalities, with many of them being from Zambia “We serve 300 customers daily; 80% are from Zambia and ofcourse a blend of everyone from other parts of the world,” said Oduor. “Our biggest pull are our signature cuisines, which are nyama chomas of all kinds,” he added. According to chef Cosmus Murunga, they have a variety of dishes that include Urban special, egg mayai, sandwiches, and the Makange fish, chicken and goat. Foods from Italy, Japan, and steaks such as T-bone are also served. What’s the GM Faith’s advice? General manager Faith Wanjiru said when you go to Rome, then do what the Romans do and still remain in your authenticity. s Margaret Moonga, a Lusaka resident, is known for cooking authentic food and her favourite meal is the Makenge fish. “The idea is to run something that can outlive even ourselves,” said Oguna.
by Susan Mwenesi
