List Of Businesses Owned By Kenyan Celebrities That Shut Down

• Most businesses in Kenya do not celebrate their third anniversary due to poor management and poor visualized business plans
• Kenyan comedian Crazy Kennar explained why he shut down Instant Delicacies, attributing it to what he described as the wrong investment option
• Veteran radio presenter Alex Mwakideu closed down his business ventures in Kitengela, Kajiado county in January

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Over 70% of Kenyan startups fail to celebrate their third anniversary.

Data by the Registrar of Companies indicated that 2,540 entities were closed in 2021, 1255 more than in 2020.

Starting and running a successful venture isn't for the faint-hearted, as startups that raised millions collapsed a few years after they were launched.

According to East African Business Consultants, the common causes of business failure in Kenya are lack of sufficient capital, poor business management, poorly visualised business plans, poorly planned marketing campaigns, and wrong business setup.

"Without a proper plan, a business owner is highly likely to have the shiny object syndrome and lose focus on the reason why they started the business in the first place. Investing time in a new venture before the original one is stable is a recipe for failure," the research stated.

Which businesses owned by celebrities shut down?

1. Crazy Kennar's Instant Delicacies

Kenyan comedian Crazy Kennar has gained popularity online due to his funny skits showing the day-to-day challenges facing Kenyans.

The youthful entrepreneur launched his food joint 'Instant Delicacies' on May 25, 2021. The restaurant was located at Juja Square and was frequented by JKUAT students.

The official unveiling of the facility was attended by the who's who in the entertainment industry. Instant Delicacies specialises in fast foods and Swahili dishes.

On January 20, it announced its withdrawal from its operations in Juja. He explained that he may taken the wrong investment option.

"Personally, I would advise someone that if they made money in arts, reinvest in arts," Crazy Kennar said.

2. David Moya's spa

In July 2022, TikToker David Moya held a grand opening for his fancy spa in Kilimani, Nairobi.

However, a year later, he put the business up for sale for KSh 4.5 million.

The energetic dancer did not explain the reasons why he was disposing of the business, which left netizens with mixed reactions.

3. Chimano's restaurant

Kez's Kitchen which was established by Sauti Sol's Chimano and his friend Phidi Mwatibo, shut down due to the devastating effects of the economic pandemic.

The business was located along Arboretum Drive.

"When COVID-19 hit, we had to close it. I can say I tried, I invested and I went all in. The dream is not dead," Chimano was quoted by Buzz Central.

4. Why Alex Mwakideu closed down 2 business ventures

Radio 47's Alex Mwakideu closed his business ventures in Kitengela in January.

The veteran radio presenter announced that Pampered Rides and Pampered Village were no longer operating.

"Pampered Village and Pampered Rides Kitengela Branch are officially closed. Whatever services you will receive from the premises located behind Ola Petrol Station in Kitengela are not from Pampered Enterprises,” he said, as reported by Pulselive Kenya.

5. Churchill's Pavillion XV

Daniel Ndambuki, popularly referred to by his stage name, Churchill, is regarded as the father of the comedy industry in Kenya.

He owned the Pavillion XV Club in Kitengela, where the town's residents enjoyed their nightlife. The club was located along the Kitengela-Namanga highway and offered a variety of music from popular Kenyan DJs.

It also boasted other facilities like the XV Car wash, a parking space, a modern barbershop, a spa, and a restaurant that served grilled meat.

Who Owns Kenya reported that it was forced out of business after the entry of the multi-million Rixxos Club.