OnTap Magazine

14 | Autumn 2026 | ontapmag.co.za memorable moments or surprises? JOE: The hot-water system decided not to cooperate at first, so we had a small panic moment — but we fixed it fast. Once we got going, everything flowed beautifully. Super chilled day, lots of laughs, good music, and now we’re drinking the results. NICK: How did Nairobi’s altitude affect the process? JOE: At altitude, water boils at around 93–94 °C instead of 100 °C, so you have to adjust hop utilisation and mash temperatures slightly. It’s subtle, but it changes how you extract flavour. ROB: Exactly. You notice the difference in how hops behave — and we deal with the same thing at Zwakala. NICK: Rob, what stood out to you about Kenya’s brewing scene and 254’s setup? ROB: The variety. In South Africa, it’s still very lager-heavy, but in Kenya people are exploring more styles — hazy IPAs, pale ales, stronger lagers. The palate here feels adventurous. There’s genuine curiosity, and I love that. JOE: Kenyans like to explore. We’re always out on weekends, trying new things — that same energy shows up in our beer culture. NICK: Rob, what did you think of Kenya as a country — and how were your two weeks here? ROB: Honestly, it’s been incredible. The food has been out of this world — every meal a winner. Wherever we found craft beer, it was top-notch, and even the mainstream lagers impressed me. But it’s the people that really stand out — friendly, welcoming, curious. It’s definitely a place I’ll be back to. NICK: Will there be a round two—maybe brewing the next one down in Limpopo? JOE: Absolutely. I’m heading to South Africa within the next year to brew a Kenyan-style beer at Zwakala and get feedback from their drinkers. I already know this one’s a hit — it’s a banger! ROB: We can’t wait to host the 254 crew. That’ll be Afro Kariibia Part Two. FINAL WORDS For Zwakala and 254 Brewery, Afro Kariibia isn’t just another hazy IPA — it’s a handshake across borders. It reminds us that good beer travels better than most passports and that Africa’s craft scene is stronger when its brewers come closer, share knowledge, and pour a little of themselves into every batch. Like its name suggests, Afro Kariibia is an open invitation — kariibia hapa , come closer — to taste what happens when South meets East in one glass. L to R: Hellen Muthoni, Joe Muigai, Rob Tooley, Charity Wangari, Nicholas Kariuki, Eoin Flinn L to R: Victoria Wanjiru, Hellen Muthoni, Rob Tooley, Joe Muigai, Nick Bush, Ephraim Gathai, Charity Wangare