Meet Kenyan Selling Plate of Mukimo at Ksh1,000 in Qatar Streets

A collage of Anthony Bishop (left) and a plate of mukimo
A collage of Anthony Bishop (left) and a plate of mukimo
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"The goal is to not let your kids go through the same struggles you went through," these are the words that keep Anthony Bishop focused in his hustle in Qatar.

Bishop is a Kenyan running a successful food business in Qatar named Jikoni restaurant that serves Kenyan and East African delicacies.

The restaurant has provided a sense of home to Kenyans in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup including Citizen TV's Willis Raburu and his colleagues.

In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, December 6, the Information Technology (IT) graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) noted that he has employed five people, a majority of which are Kenyans.

Chef Anthony Bishop taking a photo at his restaurant in Qatar
Chef Anthony Bishop taking a photo at his restaurant in Qatar
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Bishop's journey began six years ago, in 2016, when he moved to Qatar in search of greener pastures but was forced to look for employment elsewhere after his contract ended.

"I wanted to give up at one time, I told my mum I was coming back to Kenya but she assured me things will get better," the chef stated.

In partnership with a friend from Pakistan who had a restaurant, Bishop proposed to set aside a day (Friday) to sell Kenyan delicacies.

"I approached and told him I noticed the space did not attract a lot of customers so I asked if we could sell Kenyan food on Fridays," he narrated, adding that the Pakistani friend was first hesitant before eventually agreeing to the deal.

The idea was well received and dozens of Kenyans flooded the restaurant. Over time he chose to relocate to an area close to most of the clients along Old Airport street in Doha.

His menu majorly consists of Kenyan delicacies ranging from githeri which he sells at Ksh670, mukimo, mutura, njahi (black beans), chapati, sukuma wiki, and matumbo among others. 

A serving of mukimo at Jikoni restaurant goes for Ksh1,000 while customers who want to enjoy mutura, njahi, chapati, sukuma wiki, and matumbo have to part with Ksh340, Ksh670, Ksh65, Ksh500 and Ksh500 respectively. 

From his menu, a half slice of avocado goes for Ksh330 (10 QAR) while a full avocado goes for Ksh670 (20 QAR). The entrepreneur stated that almost 90 per cent of the ingredients are sourced from Kenya to guarantee authenticity.

Bishop used the story of Metro Guy who became an international sensation to demonstrate the importance of resilience and perseverance among the youths working on their jobs despite their locations.

"In the next five years, I want to franchise my business, to have different branches spread across," the chef declared who attributed his success to his craftiness and ability to interact and easily adapt.

Citizen TV's William Raburu (left), Shatta Bwoy (right) and Anthony Bishop (centre) a chef in Qatar on Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Citizen TV's William Raburu (left), Shatta Bwoy (right), and Anthony Bishop (centre) a chef in Qatar on Tuesday, December 6, 2022
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