A public debate has emerged in the country over what parts of the country American YouTuber and live streamer IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr) should visit during his anticipated stop on the ‘Speed Does Africa’ tour.
Opinions vary widely among Kenyan content creators, commentators, and social media users about whether the streamer should be shown mainly in Kenya’s urban and developed areas or also visit less affluent neighbourhoods.
IShowSpeed, one of the world’s most followed internet personalities with tens of millions of followers on YouTube and Twitch, is expected to include Kenya as part of a wider African tour designed to showcase local cultures and experiences.
The tour has already drawn significant global attention in countries such as Angola and South Africa.
Local content creators and influencers have taken to social media to share divergent views on the proposed itinerary.
Content strategist Director Trevor outlined a list of experiences he believes would align with IShowSpeed’s energetic brand, suggesting he participate in sporting challenges with Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala, join traditional Maasai dances, take part in TikTok challenges with youth from Mathare, sample local street food, and experience iconic Kenyan matatu culture and city landmarks.
In contrast, Mohamed Alby, a Kenyan creator also known as M Alby, argued against sending IShowSpeed to ghetto areas, urging organisers instead to prioritise showcasing Kenya’s beauty and modern infrastructure.
Alby referenced IShowSpeed’s previous tour in South Africa, where popular urban and cultural scenes were highlighted, and suggested a similar focus should be adopted for Kenya.
The debate intensified when prankster Vindee claimed that IShowSpeed’s management had contacted him to help plan the Kenyan leg of the tour, including selecting both celebrities and locations to be featured on livestreams.
Vindee said the itinerary could include areas such as Mathare, Kibera, Kawangware, Kilimani and Nairobi Central Business District, reflecting a mix of socio‑economic realities within the city.
He has publicly disagreed with calls to limit the tour to only Nairobi’s developed areas.
The conversation has drawn responses from various sectors of Kenya’s creative community. Comedian Akuku Danger criticised content creators for excessive excitement and for seeming to prioritise the streamer’s visit as a marker of Kenya’s international relevance.
Akuku’s remarks highlighted concerns that some creators appear overly focused on tying their success to the presence of an international influencer rather than their own achievements.
He also noted the ongoing debate over whether to include slum neighbourhoods in IShowSpeed’s itinerary.
Public activists have also weighed in. Hanifa Adan, an activist, urged that informal settlements such as Kibera should not be treated as tourist attractions or content opportunities, emphasising that poverty should not be turned into entertainment or used to generate views.
She stressed that Kenya has “far more to offer the world than poverty porn” and encouraged promoters to focus on positive and diverse narratives.
Meanwhile, Terence Creative, a comedian and digital content creator, has urged fellow creators to think beyond short‑term collaborations and consider how the visit could be leveraged for long‑term benefits for the local creative industry.
He pointed out IShowSpeed’s extensive global network and large audience as potential assets that could help Kenyan creators expand their reach if engagements are handled strategically.
Social media users have reflected similar divisions, with some arguing that the focus should be on showcasing Nairobi and other developed areas where local culture and business thrive, and others suggesting that a broader representation of Kenyan life, including its challenges, may provide a more authentic view to international audiences.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit show users debating the merits of visits to areas such as Kibera versus tourist or urban hotspots, reflecting a range of public sentiments.
Critics of highlighting slums argue that focusing on poverty‑stricken areas risks perpetuating negative stereotypes about Kenya and Africa more broadly, while proponents of inclusive itineraries assert that excluding lower‑income neighbourhoods may present an incomplete picture of Kenyan society.
These contrasting views underscore broader conversations about national image, representation, and the objectives of international influencer visits.
As speculation continues, there is no publicly confirmed official itinerary from IShowSpeed’s team. Kenyan creators and commentators remain divided, with discussions likely to evolve as the streamer’s arrival date approaches.
