The brewing market in Kenya has experienced significant growth in recent years. While large industrial brands traditionally dominate, demand for craft and premium beers is growing in the country. Along with a growing middle class and changing consumer habits, there is room for new brands and technological partnerships. For Czech companies—from brewery technology manufacturers and hop suppliers to beer quality experts—Kenya and other East African countries represent an attractive market with long-term potential.

FROM BUSINESS MISSIONS TO A BEER MADE TOGETHER

The foundations for Czech-Kenyan cooperation in brewing were laid thanks to two PROPED projects implemented by the Czech Embassy in Nairobi over the past two years. In 2023, Kenyan brewers and entrepreneurs from the craft beer sector travelled to Czechia to learn about the tradition of Czech brewing, modern technologies, and the functioning of smaller breweries. A year later, in 2024, representatives of Czech hop growers and brewing technology manufacturers, including one brewery, Budweiser Budvar, visited Kenya under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. It was during this visit that the idea was born to brew a joint beer that would symbolically connect the two brewing traditions.

CZECH MATES – THE TASTE OF COOPERATION

The new Czech Mates beer combines Czech beer tradition with African creativity. It was brewed using double decoction mashing, which is typical and traditional for Czech lager, but very unusual and unique for Africa. The beer is also 100% hopped with "Žatecký poloraný červeňák", a unique Czech hop variety that is also on the UNESCO list. "It was both a challenge and a joy for us. We wanted to create a beer that would retain Czech quality and at the same time appeal to Kenyan consumers," said Adam Brož, master brewer at Budweiser Budvar. "The collaboration with Bila Shaka was inspiring – we shared our experience, technology, and passion for the craft."

The ceremonial presentation of the new lager took place at the residence of the Czech ambassador in Nairobi, where representatives of both companies introduced it to major Kenyan distributors, restaurant owners, and also the first consumers. The initial reactions were very positive, and the Czech-branded beer is gradually finding its way into local bars and supermarkets.

The Czech Mates project is further proof that Czech beer – like Czech quality – has something to offer outside Europe. The cooperation between Budvar and Bila Shaka is not only a successful export story, but also an example of how combining tradition and innovation can open up new markets and bring mutual benefits. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nairobi will continue to monitor the situation in the brewing sector so that Czech beer and brewing technologies can be expanded to other East African markets in the future.