How Following His Girlfriend to America Led to a Multimillion-Dollar Restaurant Empire

Kenyan entrepreneur Kevin Onyona followed his girlfriend to the United States in 1999, a decision that later led to the creation of Swahili Village, a successful African restaurant business.

Onyona’s journey began in September 1999, when his girlfriend, Lynn, moved from Kenya to Maryland to pursue her studies. He later decided to join her in the United States. The couple married, and Lynn became both his life partner and a key partner in building their business.

After settling in the US, Onyona worked several jobs, including a sales position at Home Depot. During this period, he noticed that African cuisine had little presence in the country’s upscale dining scene, despite the popularity of Asian and European food.

The gap reminded Onyona of the food he grew up eating in Kenya, particularly meals prepared by his grandmother. He began developing the idea of a restaurant that would present African cuisine in an upscale setting while maintaining its cultural identity.

With Lynn’s support, Onyona left corporate employment to pursue the idea. They opened the first Swahili Village restaurant in Maryland, starting with a modest establishment that gradually expanded.

The business later grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, with restaurants in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Its clientele has included diplomats, African heads of state and other international leaders. Swahili Village has also become a venue for showcasing African food and culture in the United States. 

His decision to move to the US to be with Lynn ultimately became the starting point for a business that has helped introduce African cuisine to a wider international audience.