Kenyan veteran event organiser and entrepreneur Christopher Kirwa has criticised chefs at high-end hotels, saying that ugali served in most 5-star hotels is poorly prepared and fails to meet proper local standards.
He said many chefs still do not understand how to cook it well. He added that the issue has become common in luxury establishments.
“Many of you still don’t know how to cook ugali—sorry, but it has to be said,” Chris Kirwa said on Monday, April 20, 2026.
He explained that ugali served in most 5-star hotels is often disappointing. He said it does not reflect how properly cooked ugali should taste or feel. He added that proper training is needed to improve the quality.
“The ugali served in most 5-star hotels is disappointing,” Chris Kirwa said.
Training kitchens and improving local food
He urged chefs to go back and learn from places that prepare local food daily. He said kibandaskis and regions in Western Kenya are better learning grounds for proper ugali preparation. He explained that chefs should focus on achieving the right texture and using the right cooking method.
“You need a real refresher: go do an ‘internship’ at a kibandaski or spend time in Western Kenya and learn how to make ugali that’s properly cooked (imeiva) and well kneaded (imesongwa vizuri),” Chris Kirwa said.
He also criticised how ugali is sometimes shaped in high-end restaurants. He said certain presentations do not reflect how the food should naturally look. He added that authenticity should be respected in serving local dishes.
“And please—stop serving ugali in those Patco shapes,” Chris Kirwa said.
He called on general managers and marketing teams to take action. He said they should ensure chefs hired understand local cuisine well. He explained that experience from smaller local eateries is important in improving quality.
“GMs and marketing managers: talk to your chefs. Hire cooks who actually know local food—people from kibandaski and joints like…,” Chris Kirwa said.
He concluded by saying that people are tired of poor-quality ugali in high-end hotels. He explained that customers expect better standards for a staple food. He added that the issue should be addressed seriously.
“We’re tired of bad ugali in 5 Star Hotels!” Chris Kirwa said.
