Kenyan Diaspora Finds a Taste of Home in Tacoma

A Kenyan family's visit to Kwetu Stores in Tacoma, Washington, has highlighted how familiar food and household products help diaspora communities stay connected to home. 

A video of the shopping trip, shared on TikTok on 10 July, featured shelves stocked with popular Kenyan brands. Nick filmed the visit with his daughter Joy, son Roy and his wife, Pastor Iwen, whom he introduced as "the queen of my kingdom." As they walked through the store on South Tacoma Way, he pointed out products commonly found in Kenyan homes, including digestive biscuits, mabuyu, potato crisps, ugali maize meal and cooking fat.

During the video, Nick described the shop as a place where people can "feel at home away from home." His remarks reflected the importance of finding familiar products while living far from Kenya. The store's name, Kwetu, which means "our place" in Swahili, reinforces its role as a meeting point between everyday life and cultural identity.

The video focused on more than the products on display. It showed how Kenyan families living abroad maintain traditions while adapting to life in a different country. Nick's natural presentation and the presence of his family gave the clip an authentic feel that resonated with viewers.

Kwetu Stores has become an important outlet for Kenyans living in the Pacific Northwest by supplying food and household items from home. The business also plans to expand its online services, allowing more customers across the United States to buy Kenyan products.

In nearby Seattle, Edwin Onzere, who moved to the country to work as a chef, has established a mobile car wash business after taking inspiration from TikTok. He also employs an assistant in Kenya to manage customer orders and online operations.

Together, the two stories show how Kenyans living abroad continue to build businesses while maintaining strong cultural connections.