Taking place over 2-8 September, the event is the first-ever expansion of the agency’s worldwide bartender week to the African continent. 

For its inaugural edition, 41 bars across Kenya are participating and will serve special cocktails made using at least one Kenyan ingredient.

The week-long festival, stewarded by Hero Bar, Nairobi’s first speakeasy, brings together the country’s bartending community through events and a cocktail promotion for consumers showcasing local spirits. 

This year, participating bars span cities and towns that include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu and Diani Beach.

The week-long celebration is organised by Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel Group, and Richie Barrow, the group’s general manager of food and beverage.

“Kenya Bartender Week is a significant milestone for the country's bar community,” said Ehsani. “Being a part of a global movement focused on appreciating talent and cocktail culture around the world highlights the achievements and efforts of our bar community in Kenya. Kenya Bartender Week is a celebration of bar talent, presenting an opportunity for the exchange of skills and knowledge, while inspiring the next generation of the country’s bartenders.” 

The annual Bartender Week initiative launched last year with New York Bartender Week, and is expanding to other cities in the US and globally.