Beer in Kenya: history, traditions and breweries
A beer named after an elephant – and a beer tradition much older than any brewery.
History
Long before the first brewery, people in Kenya brewed beer from millet, sorghum and maize, such as the cloudy “busaa”. The Kikuyu make “muratina”, which is fermented with the fruit of the sausage tree.
In 1922 the brothers George and Charles Hurst founded Kenya Breweries in Nairobi. The first beer was brewed on 15 December 1922 and went to the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.
Shortly afterwards George Hurst was killed while hunting an elephant. In his memory Charles named the beer “Tusker” – the word for big bull elephants with long tusks.
Kenya Breweries became East African Breweries, today majority-owned by the Diageo group. Since the 2010s small craft breweries have also been opening in Nairobi.
Traditions and drinking culture
In Kenya you are often asked whether you want your beer “warm” or “cold” – many prefer it unchilled.
Tusker advertises with the slogan “Bia yangu, Nchi yangu” – my beer, my country. The Swahili toast is “Afya!” – health!
Fun facts
- Kenya Breweries’ first beer got a mixed reception at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.
- In 1929 the brewery switched from imported malt extract to real barley malt – the beer became better and cheaper.
- Tusker is the largest African beer brand of the Diageo group.
Typical beer styles
Beer cities and their stories
Nairobi
Kenya Breweries’ first beer was brewed here in 1922 and served at the Stanley Hotel. Today the capital also has craft breweries.
Nyeri
In the central highlands around Nyeri, Kikuyu families still brew muratina for celebrations.
Breweries and their stories
Kenya Breweries (East African Breweries)
Founded by George and Charles Hurst. Today East African Breweries is majority-owned by Diageo.
Known for: Tusker Lager, White Cap
Timeline
- for centuriesNyeri
In the villages people brew beer from millet, sorghum and maize; the Kikuyu also make muratina.
- 1922Nairobi
George and Charles Hurst found Kenya Breweries. Soon afterwards their beer is named Tusker – in memory of George, who died hunting an elephant.
- 1929Nairobi
The brewery switches from malt extract to real barley malt.
- 2010sNairobi
The first small craft breweries open in Nairobi.