Nairobi, Kenya – American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, has publicly declared Kenya the highlight of his recent 28-day tour across Africa, citing unprecedented fan turnout and an electrifying atmosphere. The declaration, made during a Zoom interview on February 12, 2026, represents a significant boost for Kenyan tourism and a perceived setback for South Africa, which also hosted the popular online personality.
Speed, who concluded his “Speed Does Africa” tour encompassing 20 countries, initially struggled to pinpoint a single favorite memory from the trip. However, he ultimately singled out his experience in Kenya as uniquely impactful. “My Kenya visit was so crazy to me, with how many people just came out for me,” he stated. “I think it was over 30,000 people that came out to the city just to watch me stream. It was an amazing experience… I do not think I have ever seen such people ever.”
The scale of the Nairobi reception surpassed expectations, even for a streamer accustomed to large online and offline audiences. Over 30,000 fans reportedly gathered in the city’s central business district to catch a glimpse of Speed, leading to a livestream that broke his continental viewership records. The event also propelled him past the 48 million subscriber mark on his streaming platform although he was airborne over the city. According to Speed, the “fan frenzy” in Nairobi was unmatched, exceeding the enthusiasm he encountered during his visit to South Africa, where he participated in activities such as cheetah racing and meetings with local figures.
The recognition from IShowSpeed has been met with enthusiasm in Kenya, with local media outlets highlighting the positive impact on the country’s image. While in Kenya, Speed immersed himself in Maasai culture, an experience he described as unforgettable. The streamer acknowledged enjoying his time throughout the continent, but emphasized that Kenya “took the top spot” due to the raw energy and spontaneity of its crowds, who followed his convoy through the streets.
The preference for Kenya over South Africa has been described as a “blow to Mzansi’s digital ego” by some observers. The contrast in reception underscores the growing influence of online personalities in shaping perceptions of African nations and attracting tourism. As of February 17, 2026, no official statement has been released by the South African government or tourism board regarding IShowSpeed’s comments.
