NAIROBI, Kenya- Popular American streamer iShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., left a lasting impression in Nairobi after surprising a market vendor with Sh20,000 for a locally made shirt during his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour.
The unexpected moment unfolded at Kenyatta Market, a bustling centre known for Kenyan fashion, crafts, and food, where the 20-year-old content creator had stopped to interact with traders and fans while livestreaming to a global audience.
As he browsed through stalls packed with colourful merchandise, iShowSpeed was drawn to a Kenyan-themed shirt.
The vendor quoted Sh3,000 and encouraged him to bargain, in line with common market practice.
Instead, Speed skipped negotiations altogether and handed over Sh20,000, a gesture that stunned the trader and sent nearby onlookers into cheers.
The moment quickly circulated online, with clips spreading across TikTok, YouTube, and X, reinforcing Speed’s reputation for unpredictable but generous interactions during his African tour.
Crowds, Chaos, and Viral Scenes
The market visit soon attracted huge crowds, forcing security teams to intervene as fans tried to get closer to the streamer.
In one clip that gained rapid traction online, a fan managed to break through security—not to ask for a selfie, but to request Speed’s autograph on his face. The streamer obliged, drawing laughter and disbelief from the crowd as security rushed to restore order.
Accompanying Speed in Nairobi was Ugandan content creator Tenge Tenge, with the pair using the tour to spotlight East African youth creativity, street culture, and digital storytelling.
Their collaboration has been widely praised for presenting African cities through an energetic, unscripted lens that resonates with young audiences both locally and internationally.
Sprint Challenge Talk Gains Momentum
Beyond the market antics, Kenyan fans have also been pushing for a sprint race between iShowSpeed and Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
The calls intensified after Speed’s recent race against Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in Botswana. Omanyala has since said he would be open to racing the YouTuber—if $50,000 (about Sh6.4 million) is put on the table.
Tourism Spotlight on Kenya
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano welcomed Speed’s visit, noting that his massive online following offers Kenya rare global visibility.
She encouraged Kenyans to suggest more locations for the streamer to explore, from matatu culture and local food spots to national parks, as part of showcasing the country’s tourism appeal.
With his Nairobi visit already producing viral moments, iShowSpeed’s Kenyan leg is shaping up as one of the most talked-about stops on his Africa tour.