Australian stand-up comedian Anisa Nandaula has sparked backlash among Kenyans after a comedy routine about the country’s roads during a recent trip to East Africa went viral.
In a video circulating on social media, the 27-year-old Brisbane-based performer recounts an overland journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, saying the bumpy ride subjected her to five hours of continuous shaking.
The clip has drawn criticism on X and TikTok, with some Kenyans accusing the comedian of relying on stereotypes about African infrastructure rather than delivering a well-crafted joke.
Some critics argued that the routine lacked a clear punchline, while others accused Nandaula of using Kenya as a target for cheap humour and online engagement.
The backlash has also sparked debate about how Kenyans respond to criticism of their country from outsiders, particularly on infrastructure and public services.
While many citizens regularly complain about the state of local roads and government services, some online users have pointed out that similar criticism from foreign visitors can trigger a defensive response.
Nandaula, an award-winning poet and comedian born in Uganda who moved to Australia as a child, is known for her observational humour and personal storytelling.
She had not publicly addressed the controversy or issued an apology at the time of publication.