Search for Kenya’s next top amateur baker is on

A new chapter of the global hit franchise ‘Bake Off’ has officially launched in Kenya sponsored by Unga Limited. The Great Kenyan Bake Off is an entertaining and exciting competition to find and crown Kenya’s best amateur baker.

The Bake Off format is a global sensation licensed by BBC Studios Distribution to over 30 countries. Kenya becomes the 32nd country and only the second in Africa

The format has been licensed to Kenyan production company, Showstopper Media by BBC Studios Distribution (BBCSD). Showstopper Media has a strong record of making hit formats, having already produced a local version of Dragon’s Den in Kenya, ‘Lion’s Den’.

Unga Limited, the leading wheat and maize flour manufacturer, in collaboration with Standard Group PLC and Showstopper Media, jointly announced the launch of the Bake Off competition in Kenya that will air on KTN Home. Speaking at the launch event, Unga Group Managing Director Nick Hutchinson noted the Bake Off will air on KTN Home for 10 weeks from September, 2019.

“We are happy to introduce The Great Kenyan Bake Off, a first for Kenya & Eastern Africa,” said Nick Hutchinson. “From the success of the Bake Off in other global markets we are certain that this show will indeed inspire Kenyans everywhere to bake,” added Hutchinson.

In the show, a group of amateur bakers will compete against each other and will be judged on their skills at making cakes, breads, pastries and desserts of all kinds. Each week, one contestant will be eliminated and one will be named the star baker. It all leads to the finale where we will crown Kenya’s next top baker.

“We are calling on amateur bakers from all corners of Kenya to apply via the Bake Off website, www.thegreatkenyanbakeoff.com. The application window will be open until the 20th of May, 2019 where we will then proceed to vet and shortlist 12 contestants to take part in the Bake Off,” said Hutchinson. “Baking is an important art in Kenya and we believe that this show will go a long way in broadening the interest. We have long been a manufacturer of wheat flour products and are sure viewers will be amazed to see different process and techniques that can be used to bring about such a variety of products,” said Hutchinson

Kiran Jethwa, co-founder of Showstopper Media added: “We are very excited that our capability and reputation have enabled us to bring these international hit formats to the local market, we will continue to push the entertainment boundaries in the region.”

Speaking at the launch event, Standard Group Commercial Director Irene Kimani registered her excitement in partnering with Unga Limited & Showstopper Media on the baking contest terming it as a great opportunity to showcase baking skills in the country.

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“I would like to register our excitement in partnering with Unga Limited & Showstopper Media in launching this great milestone. The Great Kenyan Bake Off is an important step for those eager to sharpen their baking skills and we are very excited to showcase this fantastic opportunity for aspiring bakers on KTN where we celebrate food and cooking every day,” said Kimani.