Lawyer Turned Chef: Kenyan Woman Running Own Restaurant in Germany

In 2006, Carol Waithera embarked on a life-changing journey with a German man she had recently met, leading her to leave her home country.

As an experienced lawyer from Kenya, she was met off guard by the foreign environment that awaited her after arriving in Germany. The language also served as a major roadblock that impeded her from legally practising law. From her interview with Chams Media, we get a glimpse into the daunting experience she underwent to adapt to life in Germany for over 15 years. Despite the challenges, she wholeheartedly embraced the unknown and resolved to thrive in hospitality. Embarking on a venture from the ground up, she dutifully began by washing dishes but her passion for cooking took the the front seat. Taking a trip down memory lane, she cherishes the myriad times when she immaculately cooked for family gatherings in Kenya, never imagined that her homegrown culinary skills would later blossom into her profession.

With an ardent determination to thrive, she meticulously watched the chefs at the eatery where she was employed, mastering every detail of the trade. To amplify her expertise, she enrolled in a three-year certification course. In 2017, Waithera established her own restaurant called La[Kula] which showcases authentic Kenyan cuisine. The unique and inspiring rendition of her eatery's name exemplifies her desire to encourage communal dining among customers. As of now, her restaurant operates exclusively on the weekends: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Nestled in the town of Schermbeck, the restaurant provides an extraordinary dining affair capable of sitting 100 people inside and accommodating 300 more in the garden. Overnight stay rooms are also available to visitors wishing to lengthen their stay. The owner of the restaurant is passionate about her cooking - hoping that individuals who visit will not just savour the different dishes but will also sense the passion she injects into every dish. She promises to dance, laugh, and create memories with her guests.

Having amassed a loyal fan base, Waithera is ready to explore new horizons with her business. She yearns to broaden her audience by launching a podcast with a unique focus on the shared experiences of Kenyans living beyond their homeland. Bringing her close circle of friends onboard, she aspires to delight and inform with meaningful discussions about their life stories and life in the diaspora.