Youtuber IShowSpeed received by Kenyans at Carnivore Nairobi on January 11, 2026./SCRRENGRAB

President William Ruto when he welcomed IShowSpeed to Kenya/SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto has welcomed American streamer
IShowSpeed, who has officially kicked off his highly anticipated tour of Kenya.

The streamer, who commands millions of followers worldwide,
began his visit with a surprise appearance at a Nairobi school, drawing cheers
and excitement from students and fans alike.

Taking to social media, Ruto extended a warm reception,
urging the international personality to feel at home in the country.

“Jambo IShowSpeed, welcome to Kenya, karibu Kenya,” the
President said. “Kenya is not just another country, Kenya is a pulse, a
feeling. Kenya is home. This is magical Kenya, the origin of wonders.”

IShowSpeed, arguably the world’s biggest live streamer, is
embarking on a weeks-long tour across Africa to showcase the continent’s
natural wonders, unique cultures, talents, and hidden gems.

The 28-day IRL
tour, named ‘Speed Does Africa’, is one of the most ambitious live streaming
projects the creator has ever undertaken. The Kenya leg marked an exciting
start, featuring fan engagement, football activities, and immersive cultural
experiences.

In his trademark flamboyant style, IShowSpeed has captivated
audiences across Africa, mingling with locals, meeting content creators, and
performing daring feats that have consistently dominated headlines.

The scale
of the project sets it apart: the streamer plans to move quickly between
countries, often streaming early to engage global audiences.

Backed by major sponsors and a structured itinerary, the
tour is being positioned as one of the largest creator-led travel livestreams
in history.

According to reports and the official tour trailer, IShowSpeed is
scheduled to visit 20 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin,
Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and
Zimbabwe.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano,
hailed the streamer’s arrival as a significant boost for Kenya’s global
visibility. She noted that his visit offers a unique platform to showcase the
nation’s culture, creativity, and natural beauty.

“Beyond the legendary safaris, the true magic of Kenya lies
in the beauty of our diversity. Every corner of this country has a story to
tell,” Miano said, inviting IShowSpeed to explore local cuisine, traditions,
and community life.

Beyond Nairobi, the streamer is expected to explore iconic
destinations such as the Maasai Mara, giving his vast international audience a
first-hand glimpse of Kenya’s wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich
cultural heritage.

His visit is set to place Kenya firmly on the map as a
vibrant hub for creativity, tourism, and cultural exchange, capturing the
imagination of millions across the globe.