Media powerhouse. Fashion lover. Culinary creative. Social impact champion. With over a decade in Kenya’s media industry, Anita Njeri Nderu is not just making content, she’s making change. The award-winning media personality and founder of Anita Nderu Limited continues to redefine what it means to be multifaceted in the modern African landscape. From hosting her couture-meets-cooking series The Overdressed Cook to co-running Grounded Africa, an eco-conscious brand for organic cleaning products, Anita blends style, substance, and sustainability with ease.
For our Africa-focused series, we journey into her vibrant world. From her roots in Eldoret to the electric energy of Nairobi, she shares the songs, dishes, places, and dreams that shape her identity. With her heart set on a better Africa and a playlist full of soul, Anita reminds us that the continent’s true luxury lies in its people, its culture, and its limitless potential.
1. What city are you currently in and what do you love most about this city?
I’m currently in Nairobi, the Green City in the Sun. What I love most about it is the vibrance of our people, fashion, food, and culture. Nairobi has this raw, electric energy where the hustle has a heartbeat and ideas turn into movements. There’s never a dull day in County 47.
2. Your favourite hangout spot in your hometown is?
My hometown is Eldoret, also in Kenya. Famously known as the Home of Champions. Growing up, my favourite hangout spot was Naiberi Campsite. It had the perfect mix of nature and adventure.
3. Name an African song that would be the soundtrack to your life.
This is a tough one. As of now, I’d say Rush by Ayra Starr.
4. What African artists are currently on your music playlist?
My playlist is constantly changing. Lately, I’ve been listening to Bien, Blinky Bill, Ayra Starr, Tems, Chris Kaiga, Bensoul, and Burna Boy. They have been the perfect mix of soul, groove, and energy.
5. What’s your one wish for Africa this Africa Month?
My one wish for Africa this Africa Month is that we step fully into our power with pride, purpose, and a renewed commitment to building from within. We deserve leaders who serve with integrity and vision. Leaders who empower us to grow, not keep us stuck in a dependency mindset or saviour syndrome.
With one of the youngest, most creative, energetic, and tech-savvy populations in the world, we have everything we need to drive innovation, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. We must make it viable for Africans to live, work, and thrive right here because the talent is world-class, and the pay should be too.
Let’s make it easier to trade across borders, move within the continent, and prioritise buying and producing what is made in Africa. By investing in organic practices, local manufacturing, and competitive opportunities, we’ll raise healthier generations and empower more Africans to thrive at home.
Africa doesn’t need saving. It needs belief, investment, and space to grow, and leaders brave enough to let it.
6. What would you say is the biggest artistic impact Africa has had on the world?
Africa’s biggest artistic impact on the world is our rhythm, our style, and our storytelling. Whether it’s through music, fashion, dance, visual art, or even cuisine, Africa sets the tone. From Afrobeats and Amapiano topping global charts to Ankara prints on international runways, our influence is everywhere, even when it’s not credited.
But beyond aesthetics, African art holds soul. It carries our history, identity, resilience, and joy. It doesn’t just entertain. It connects. It teaches. It heals. We don’t just influence culture. We are the culture.
7. What is that one African dish you wish the entire world knew about?
As much as many cultures have their own version of a maize-based dish, let’s be honest—Kenya’s Ugali is unmatched. Jollof from the West is iconic, and Bobotie from South Africa too. Plus, our methods of barbecuing are truly one of a kind. African dishes are flavour-packed, spicy, rich in depth, and nourishing to both body and soul. You’ll definitely need a nap after!
8. What does your name mean?
My Kikuyu name of Kenyan origin is Njeri. It means “travelling one” or “warrior.” In Kikuyu legend, Njeri was one of the nine daughters of Mumbi, the mother of all Kikuyu.
9. If you had one superpower what would it be and why?
If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to shift hearts and minds to help build a world that’s more inclusive, compassionate, and fair.
10. If you weren’t a famous television personality what would you be?
If I weren’t a television personality, I would still be telling stories, just through a different medium. Maybe through directing films, writing, or cultural work in food, fashion, or social impact. I am also drawn to roles that help shape systems and spark meaningful change.
