SO THIS IS LOVE, THE 97S & MIC CHEQUE ARE TOP STREAMED PODCASTS IN KENYA

The latest annual data from Spotify shows cultural shift in Kenya’s audio landscape. The platform’s 2025 rankings reveal that locally produced podcasts have ended the dominance of international shows, with Kenyan creators now occupying most of the top spots.

This year’s charts demonstrate a clear listener preference for authentic, homegrown narratives. Topping the list is So This Is Love, hosted by Julia Gaitho, which has resonated as a national forum for intimate storytelling. Episodes delving into personal relationships, such as Sophia & Bumpy and Grace & Malcolm, have become viral sensations, highlighting an audience eager for genuine, relatable Kenyan experiences.

Claiming the second position is The 97s Podcast. Hosted by Trevor, Frank and Dante, the show captures the dynamic energy of Gen Z through its signature unfiltered banter, offering a digital gathering place that mirrors the lives of its young listeners.

The trend extends into well-produced conversational formats. Mic Cheque Podcast (4th) has evolved into a vital chronicle of Kenya’s entertainment industry, while The Sandwich Podcast (9th) continues to deliver the distinct humour synonymous with Nairobi’s youth.

A defining development this year has been the successful transition of these digital communities into physical spaces. Podcasters are now regularly hosting live events, turning online followings into engaged audiences. The Sandwich Podcast’s “Sandwich Sundays” and The Messy In between’s “TMI” experiences have become major social events, blending live recordings with festival-like atmospheres.

The charts also reflect a demand for content. The Mkurugenzi Podcast showcases Abel Mutua’s compelling storytelling, and Financially Incorrect with Barrack Bukusi provides crucial economic guidance, indicating that Kenyan audiences seek both entertainment and enlightenment.

While local voices lead, there remains an appetite for global perspectives on self-improvement, with shows like The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett and The Mel Robbins Podcast maintaining their popularity. Even specialised genres are flourishing with a local flavour. True Crime Kenya has successfully adapted the format to explore domestic cases, providing context that international shows cannot.