Cake, which is a staple of most birthday parties, has become a statement piece in Nairobi’s growing cake culture scene. From matcha-infused sponges to elaborate “reality cakes” shaped like handbags, dogs, or logos, the capital’s cake culture has evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle trend.
According to Poidata, nearly 1,000 bakeries are operating across Nairobi, accounting for 37% of the country’s 2,700 bakeries.
Fuelled by social media, events like this year’s cake picnic and a growing appetite for personalisation, Nairobi’s bakers – both professional and amateur – are pushing artistic and culinary boundaries.
With the rise in popularity, many cake vendors say that custom cakes are now popular, with clients requesting designs inspired by their pets, favourite sports, careers, or even inside jokes. It’s not just about taste anymore; it’s about impact, shareability, and style.
As Sweet Inspirations’ owner Beatrice Kagondu explains, sugarcraft perfection and global decorating techniques are now central to her business ethos. Similarly, Marylynne Marube of Marie Sweet Cakes credits her self-taught skills and focus on unique presentation for her steady growth in a competitive landscape.
Among the bakeries driving this sugary renaissance is Cake City, a brand that has steadily expanded from a single outlet in 2012 to 14 branches across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos. The company recently opened its latest branch in Lavington’s Luqman Mall, tapping into the demand for convenience and experience-based shopping.
“This new branch is part of our brand strategy to bring Cake City closer to our customers,” said Mohammed Zahir, CEO at Cake City. “We are excited to be expanding our footprint and investing in convenient, high-quality cake experiences for every Kenyan.”
But Cake City’s success isn’t just about brick-and-mortar growth its also about its digital availability for customers. The brand has emerged as a digital leader in Kenya’s dessert economy.
In 2025, Cake City won gold in the Best Bakery E-Commerce Platform category at the Kenya E-Commerce Awards, a testament to its seamless online ordering system.
“When we set out to digitise Cake City’s experience, we weren’t just building a website, we were building a borderless bakery,” Mr Zahir said. “A platform where anyone in Nairobi, Athi River, or Karen could scroll, click, customise, and receive their dream cake, without a single call.
“We understood what our customers wanted: speed, clarity, reliability, and a visual feast. And so, we delivered.”
