A Kenyan man is quietly running the kitchen behind one of Africa’s most prominent airlines, and CNN’s Larry Madowo just made sure the world knows about it.
Madowo shared a post on November 14 revealing that Chef Antony Mbugua, also known as Anto Kimotho Mbugua, is the executive chef responsible for all food served on Ethiopian Airlines. The disclosure drew over 1,100 likes and dozens of comments from Kenyans who were clearly delighted by the news.
Kenyan at the Helm of Ethiopian Airlines’ Kitchen
According to a menu card featured in the post, Chef Antony Mbugua holds more than 17 years of international culinary experience and currently serves as Executive Chef for Ethiopian Airlines Inflight Catering. The role places him in charge of food production and quality across one of the continent’s busiest carriers, a responsibility that spans every meal served to passengers on the airline’s global routes.
Inflight catering at a major international airline is no small undertaking. Menus must meet the dietary needs of passengers from dozens of countries, satisfy strict aviation food safety standards, and be prepared in large volumes while maintaining consistent quality. That a Kenyan chef holds the top position in that operation at Ethiopian Airlines is a detail that caught many by surprise.
Madowo’s post, accompanied by a surprised emoji, was brief but the reaction it generated was anything but understated.
Kenyans React With Pride and Humour
The comments section quickly filled with a mix of pride, banter and celebration.
@Wambui Ibreecrafts wrote:
“Le Chef Antonio buda kuja jo. You deserve this 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪”
@Hezekiah Kurendi joked:
“😂😂 management wanacomplain kitchen has high expenses than other departments Kumbe”
@Ni Sam took a lighthearted dig at Madowo:
“They will say you’re informing us because he’s you’re brother in law.”
@Patience R. Mumbi was unapologetic in her celebration:
“We are celebrating one of our own…iko nini?!”
The reactions reflect a broader pride among Kenyans whenever one of their own rises to a senior position in an international institution, particularly in a field as competitive as professional culinary arts.
Chef Mbugua’s achievement is a reminder that Kenyan talent continues to make its mark well beyond the country’s borders, in this case, quite literally at 35,000 feet.
