The year 2025 marks a turning point for Kenyan podcasting, with local creators finally dominating the Spotify charts, according to the annual Wrapped data.
Listeners are shifting away from international shows, embracing a new wave of homegrown talent that blends entertainment, insight, and local flavour.
Leading the charge as Kenya’s most-listened-to podcast is So This Is Love, hosted by Julia Gaitho (Jules).
What began as a show focused on heartbreak and healing has evolved into a national cultural phenomenon. The podcast thrives on vulnerability, authenticity, and exploring personal emotional journeys.
“What started as a show about heartbreak and healing has blossomed into a nationwide cultural phenomenon, where vulnerability and authenticity reign supreme.”
Key to the show’s success were viral hits like Sophia & Bumpy and Grace & Malcolm, which resonated deeply with listeners seeking a modern Kenyan ‘therapy session’.
Hot on Jules’ heels is The97sPodcast (ranked 2nd), a show that caters to Gen Z with chaotic, unscripted banter. Hosted by the “3MenArmy” (Trevor, Frank, and Dante), the podcast turns everyday discussions into high-energy debates.
While ‘So This Is Love’ offers healing, ‘The97sPodcast’ delivers pure, unfiltered fun.
Other highly-ranked shows focusing on culture and humour include: Mic Cheque Podcast (4th), hosted by Chaxy, Mariah, and Mwass, which has become a rich source of Kenyan entertainment discussions.
The Sandwich Podcast (9th), provides irreverent, high-energy humour defining Nairobi’s youth culture.
A defining trend of 2025 is the move from digital audio to real-world events. Podcasts are now filling live venues, transforming listening communities into in-person social events.
The Sandwich Podcast organises “Sandwich Sundays,” which combine live recordings with a music festival vibe.
The Messy In between (6th), hosted by Murugi Munyi and Lydia K.M., has expanded its TMI content into popular live “girls’ trip” experiences.
Adelle Onyango’s Legally Clueless has evolved into group therapy workshops, blending self-care with real-world interaction.
Spotify officially acknowledged this trend in September 2025 by hosting live sessions in Kenya with top shows The Messy In between and So This Is Love.
The charts also reflect a growing appetite for informative and educational content:
The Mkurugenzi Podcast (5th), hosted by Abel Mutua, offers a masterclass in engaging storytelling.
Financially Incorrect by Barrack Bukusi provides essential financial literacy and practical tips for young Kenyans.
True Crime Kenya (10th) adapts the global true crime format to local cases, showcasing the diversity of the local scene.
International content, such as The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (3rd) and The Mel Robbins Podcast (7th), remains popular, but the overall shift confirms that local creators are setting the agenda.
Top Podcasts in Kenya (2025)
- So This Is Love
- The97sPodcast
- The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
- Mic Cheque Podcast
- The Mkurugenzi Podcast
Top Podcast Episodes in Kenya (2025)
- So This Is Love – Sophia & Bumpy
- So This Is Love – Grace & Malcolm
- So This Is Love – Luna & Nova
- The97sPodcast – 01 – I’M BaCK
- The97sPodcast – 96 – CaT MuM
