Comedian-turned-entrepreneur Sammy Kioko has announced the closure of his once-thriving fashion brand, Kioko Designs, citing financial struggles triggered by what he describes as unpaid dues from a county government contract.
The entertainer broke the news earlier this week through a somber post on social media, saying that despite his team’s best efforts, they could no longer sustain operations.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we’re announcing the closure of our shops and production areas. Despite our best efforts, we’ve faced significant challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue operating,” Kioko wrote.
The announcement came just days after Kioko publicly accused the Machakos County Government, under Governor Wavinya Ndeti, of failing to pay him approximately Sh 19 million for a contract his company allegedly fulfilled months ago. According to the entertainer, the delay in payment crippled his business, leaving him unable to pay staff salaries, suppliers, and rent for the brand’s multiple outlets and production spaces.
Sammy Kioko, who rose to fame through comedy shows such as Churchill Show and his popular YouTube skits, has in recent years established himself as a creative entrepreneur. His clothing brand, Kioko Designs, was founded to merge fashion and storytelling, providing locally made apparel for both celebrities and ordinary Kenyans.
The business quickly gained popularity for its creative designs and high-quality workmanship. Kioko Designs became a go-to brand for stage costumes, uniforms, and event wear, and at one point employed dozens of young tailors and designers.
However, Kioko’s entrepreneurial journey took a dark turn when payments allegedly owed to his company by the Machakos County Government failed to materialize. Kioko has claimed that the non-payment not only stalled his operations but also pushed his business to the brink of collapse.
“We delivered our services faithfully and completed the project, but months have passed without payment. I have employees who depend on me, and they’ve been suffering because of this,” he lamented in a recent Instagram post.
Following his announcement, Kioko shared heartbreaking messages from employees who had been locked out of their homes due to unpaid rent. Some of the workers described living in uncertainty, unable to provide for their families after months without income.
One message read, “Boss, the landlord has thrown me out again. I don’t know what to do anymore. Please help if you can.”
Kioko’s situation has reignited debate over the vulnerability of youth-owned businesses in Kenya, particularly those dependent on government tenders. Delayed payments, bureaucratic red tape, and contract disputes have long been cited as major challenges undermining entrepreneurship and job creation.
“This is not a goodbye but a see-you-later,” Kioko added, hinting at his determination to bounce back in the future.
So far, the county government has not officially responded to the allegations.
“We will rise again. For now, we’re taking a pause to reflect, reorganize, and come back stronger,” he said.
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