Kevin Onyona is a Kenyan businessman who lives in Washington, DC, United States of America.
He is the creator of Swahili Village Group, which owns and operates African-themed restaurants under the name Swahili Village.
The adventure to construct Swahili Village began in 1999, when Onyona flew to the United States to meet Lynn Senda, a friend who was then a student at Howard University in Washington, DC.
Following his visit, Onyona, who had a sales background, returned to the country to pursue a career in the automotive business.
He then returned to the United States, married Lynn, and settled there.
Inspired to provide Africans in the United States with a wonderful home-like dining experience, Onyona opened his first restaurant in the state of Maryland in 2016.
The restaurant was distinctive in that it served African cuisine, making it a meeting place for Africans.
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The first restaurant was so successful that he decided to create a second location in Washington, DC, in order to popularize the brand and attract consumers from outside Maryland.
“We thought it was important to take an opportunity to truly celebrate our place here in DC and remind everyone that we have big plans as we move forward in our mission to bring people together through food, culture, art, and enlightened conversations,” Onyona was quoted.
In addition to the two branches, Swahili Village has three other outlets in Others are in New Jersey, Virginia, and Manhattan.
Some of the Kenyan delicacies on Swahili Village’s menu include bhajia, tilapia in coconut sauce, kuku choma and nyama choma.
Local drinks including Tusker beer are also available on the menu.
The restaurant has hosted top leaders including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, US Secretary of State Antony John Blinken and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga.
During his visit to the United States, Ruto visited Onyuna’s restaurant in New Jersey and hailed him for establishing the venture.
“We’re very proud as Kenyans, and I’m very proud as a Kenyan leader that you hustled your way into this investment. We have come here to celebrate what you’re doing, and you’re doing very well. The food is awesome, the ambiance is on another level, so congratulations
“I was particularly thrilled to see that you have kept the tradition, the style of the food it felt like we were in Nairobi in a flash. We almost forgot we were in the US because the food was so Kenyan,” Ruto said.
