Kenyan chef Raphael King’ori—better known online as Chef Raphael—is turning heads and rising fast as he leverages content creation to fuel his culinary career. Once a classical trainee at Nairobi’s Utalii College, he now commands a substantial following on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares recipes that range from traditional Kenyan staples to international delights like Kimchi and Korean rice. His engaging cooking videos, which combine technique with storytelling, have become his signature—and his business.
His journey reflects a broader shift: in a digital-first world, aspiring chefs are forgoing traditional kitchens for online ones. The rise of online chefs, as noted by The Standard, has transformed how food content is consumed in Kenya, allowing talented cooks to connect directly with audiences via video clips, live streams, and reel formats.
The Standard
For Chef Raphael, that meant building a personal brand rooted in authenticity. He draws inspiration from his mother’s home cooking, and through social platforms, he teaches his audience how to whip up everything from everyday omelets to roast chicken and local favorites—all while keeping the presentation simple and relatable.
The impact has been significant. Chef Raphael’s popularity has translated into real influence: his online presence has not only built a loyal following but also earned him engagement from food lovers and brand partnerships. His content provides viewers with more than just recipes—it offers a gateway into Kenyan cuisine blended with global flavors. As the demand for digital cooking content continues to grow, Chef Raphael is poised to expand his brand further, seizing opportunities ranging from sponsored content to potentially launching his own product lines. In doing so, he’s not just cooking up meals—he’s cooking up a new business model for chefs in Kenya’s evolving culinary landscape.