The Nairobi stand-up comedy scene continued to grow in leaps and bounds in 2025, as evidenced by the sheer number of international comics who flocked to the city to get a taste of what is slowly becoming one of the hottest comedy markets in Africa. And while the traveling comedians such as Robby Collins of South Africa, Uganda’s Dr. Hilary Okello, and Australia-based Anisa Nandaula captivated audiences with their undeniably well-crafted and culture-transcending gags, it is our locally grown talents who were the real MVPs. From live special tapings to one-man shows to national and international tours to a five-day international comedy festival starring some of our best, the local comedy scene really outdid itself.
It is for that reason that we must recognize some of the top headliners who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps in 2025 as far as stand-up comedy is concerned and are tipped to raise the bar even higher in 2026.
The Headliners To Watch – 2026 List features eight comedians who have proven to be heavy hitters over time. From doing solo shows to touring around Kenya and outside the country, these comics can be described as the creme de la creme of the current Kenyan stand-up comedy industry. These comics have been practicing the craft for more than four years, and each has performed in at least one other country outside Kenya. They all have either a comedy special to their name or have done one-hour-long shows both locally and internationally in recent times.
1. Nelly Wangechi
Nelly Wangechi was one of the more sought-after comedians last year, and this year wasn’t any different. From featuring in multiple high-profile shows such as the Nairobi International Comedy Festival to her commentary works on DnR’s CTRL Z channel, Nelly unlocked new channels of showcasing her writing and performance prowess this year. She capped off a successful 2025 with her first solo outing at the Nairobi Laugh Bar entitled My Laugh Language, a show whose story may have only just begun.
2. Adan Abdi
Arguably one of the more bankable comedians in Nairobi at the moment on account of his globetrotting comedy exploits, Adan Abdi has made a name for himself as both a prolific performer and a workhorse. After touring South Africa last year, Abdi made his Europe debut this year when he toured the United Kingdom for a month. The UK tour came against the backdrop of him selling out the Louis Leakey Auditorium for a second year running. With new projects in the works, including a plan to explore the wider European comedy market in 2026, Adan might just be the first Kenyan comic to gain wider acceptance outside of the continent.
3. Bashir Halaiki
Stand-up comedian, podcaster, and now radio host, Bashir has consistently found ways to stay in and on top of the game. The aeronautical engineer-cum-comedian recorded his first-ever comedy special in front of a sold-out crowd at the Alliance Française Auditorium this year. That, coupled with a number of headlining escapades at the Nairobi Laugh Bar and elsewhere, makes him a headliner to look out for in 2026.
4. Maina Munene
With three nationwide tours under his belt, and two this year alone, Maina Munene has distinguished himself as a traveling comedian. 2025 saw him tour 6 cities, a feat no other comedian has achieved within a single calendar year. Two headlining adventures at the Nairobi Laugh Bar—Bwana Spokesman Live in February and The Perfect Boyfriend in October—were just icing on the cake. His African Dream comedy tour produced a comedy special and a documentary, both of which will come out in early 2026. Those two projects alone set him ahead of the pack as far as 2026 is concerned.
5. Arnold Saviour
Arnold ‘This guy again’ Saviour continues to shine both as a stand-up comic and an online sensation. After a breakthrough 2024, 2025 saw Saviour continue to rack up numbers, both live and online. He staged his first-ever one-man show in June, and an overwhelming reception necessitated the announcement of a second show. Two headlining performances at The Two Grapes Restaurant towards the tail-end of the year and a recent announcement of a YouTube show entitled Jokes Aside show that he isn’t quite ready to stop yet.
6. George Waweru
When George Waweru announced his first one-hour outing, which took place in November, one would have been forgiven for marveling at the fact that it was only his first. Such is his experience and longevity. A spot at the Nairobi International Comedy Festival was sandwiched between several stand-up escapades, including a tour of the coast. Away from stand-up, George dived deeper into the online world through his YouTube channels Laf Lyf and Sport Stars, which should only keep growing in 2026.
7. Ty Ngachira
Ty Ngachira opened the year strongly with two back to back sold out shows at the Nairobi Laugh Bar. The feat was followed by the premiere of his short film, ‘Know Thy Body’ which marked his directorial debut. Several roast perfomances and a live taping of a comedy special ensured that he continued to be one of the more prolific performers within the Kenyan comedy scene.
8. Mammito Eunice
One of the most followed stand-up comedians in Kenya, Mammito has continued to show just why that is the case with an impressive portfolio and an online work ethic to match. While this year wasn’t her most active yet as far as stand-up comedy is concerned, she still knocked down a few performances including a hosting nod at the final day of the Nairobi International Comedy Festival. Her recent online ventures and social media activity show that she is laying the groundwork for a busy 2026.
This list was compiled with the help of comedy producers, comedy enthusiasts, and renowned cultural practitioners with an in-depth knowledge of the comedy industry at the moment.
