Slow but sure wins the race… or is it slow but steady? Whichever way it goes, it might be one of the very few expressions that can be used to describe the current English stand-up comedy scene in Nairobi. Less than ten years old, the scene has already experienced the lofty talents of internationally renowned comics such as Dave Chapelle (yep, the one and only), Hannibal Buress, and (perhaps lesser known but heavyweights in their own rights) the likes of Ian Lara, Anisa Nandaula, Robby Collins, Vafa Naraghi, and Tumi Morake, amongst others.
But before these global stars began to descend on the ever-growing scene, there were souls who, back in 2018 or thereabouts, were brave enough to hit up dozens of dingy establishments, set up raggedy stages, and pick up a microphone to signal the beginning of what can now be only described as a robust comedy ecosystem.
And every year since then, we’ve had more brave souls join the ever-rotating wheel of stand-up comedy with the sole aim of keeping the fire burning. Whenever new comics enter the fray, one could almost tell within weeks or months who amongst them has what it takes to break into the business of comedy. 2025 was no different in this regard.
While tens of comics experienced breakthroughs in their fledgling comedy careers, tens of others more exhibited a strong intent to do so in 2026. To the latter’s end, we have compiled a list of seven relatively new comics you should make a mental note to look out for in 2026, as they have shown great performance potential, their limited times on stage notwithstanding.
1. Alita Jack
Creator and star of the viral Jokes In A Matatu online series, Alita Jack has established himself as a fan favorite and a comic to look out for in 2026. While a bulk of his early performances came at the famed Churchill Show, his transition to the English stand-up comedy scene has been seamless. Alita featured in several shows this year, including My Laugh Language by Nelly Wangechi, The Comedy Jam by Karura Comedy Club, and The Showcase by Comedy Culture.
2. Amadeus
Despite his borderline timid demeanor on and sometimes off stage, Amadeus is a star on the rise. Soft-spoken at best, his punchlines are anything but. Only a year into his comedy career, he has already shared the stage with some of the more experienced players in the scene and held his own in the process. Perhaps, one highlight of 2025 would be when he took part in Punchline Comedy Club’s annual New Skool comedy show in September.
3. Ka Ngai
The poet-cum-comedian is slowly but surely carving out a niche for herself amongst online comedy enthusiasts. Amongst her recent live exploits are New Skool and Herlarious, both by Punchline comedy club.
4. Racquel Anyango
A natural-born performer, Racquel’s enthusiastic performances and an unapologetic stage persona have catapulted her into conversations of comics to watch in 2026. Already a couple of years into her comedy career, 2025 has been her most successful yet, as it saw her land spots at the Nairobi International Comedy Festival and the Kenya International Theatre Festival. 2026 should only take her to greater heights.
5. Imogen Hooper
An almost 2-year hiatus seems to have revitalized rather than derailed her as far as comedy is concerned. Founder of The Really Very Funny Comedy Club and curator of Under The Silly Tree Comedy Show, Imogen is one of the more prolific writers in the Nairobi comedy circuit. On top of opening for Adan Abdi during his ‘Go Back To Somalia’ comedy show at the Louis Leakey Auditorium and featuring in John Ribia and Amandeep Jagde’s RibiAman, she also bagged a spot at this year’s edition of the Nairobi International Comedy Festival. All these, coupled with a raucous performance at Mzungu Madness and a debut performance in Nakuru, show why 2026 might just be her year.
6. Bellamy Curtis
With a signature afro and a nonchalant demeanor, Bellamy comes off as just ‘a regular dude’ until he hits the stage. With a penchant for the dark and edgy, Bellamy seems to have cultivated a niche for himself. While he has been cracking ribs for almost two years, 2026 might be the year that he really breaks through.
7. Tipsy
Tipsy has been in and around the comedy ecosystem for a while but only joined the English comedy scene a year ago. Despite issues of a language barrier, Tipsy hasn’t shown any signs of struggle—proving that comedy indeed is a universal language. Since his debut, Tipsy has taken part in several Punchline Comedy Club’s shows. Recently venturing into the events space by putting together the successful Pokot Festival, 2026 is looking promising for Tipsy both on the stand-up stage and on the events front.
The Comics To Watch – 2026 list was compiled with the help of comedy producers, enthusiasts, and renowned cultural practitioners with an in-depth knowledge of the comedy industry at the moment.
