Last Thursday, I found myself at Chrome City for the launch of Chromoka—Chrome’s 10-year anniversary celebration. And can we talk about timing for a second? Thursday event, with Mazingira Day falling on Friday meant I could actually unwind without the guilt of an early morning alarm. Perfect planning, if you ask me.
First Impressions
Walking into Chrome City, I realized this wasn’t going to be your standard “stand around with a drink and make small talk” type of event. They’d transformed the space into an actual experience. There was a legit barbershop operating, a jewelry booth catching the light just right, a nail station that I mentally bookmarked immediately, and a cocktail stand doing the most.
But let’s be real—what caught my attention first was the food area.
The Food Situation (Because Priorities)
Hotdogs, mshikaki, fries, ugali, and the star of the show—nyama choma. Look, I’m a simple person. You put nyama choma and ugali in front of me, and I’m making that combo happen. No questions asked. It’s basically a personality trait at this point.
I had my order placed and found a good spot to settle in. If you know, you know. That combination has never once let me down, and Thursday was no exception.
The Chrome Chumz Situation
Here’s where things got interesting. We were handed about 10,000 Chrome Chumz to spend around Chrome City. Now, I’m not saying I felt like money was no object… but in that moment, in that space, money truly was no object.
The nail booth? Affordable. Another trip to the food area? Within budget. That cute piece at the jewelry stand? Completely doable.
For those glorious few hours, I was financially comfortable in a way my actual bank account has never known. The only issue? I wish I could convert them to actual cash.
Chrome, if you’re listening: I have thoughts on making Chumz a legitimate currency.
The Details That Mattered
I ended up at the nail booth and actually got my nails done. Not window-shopped. Not “maybe next time.” Actually sat down and got pampered. And let me tell you, walking around with fresh nails hits different. Suddenly, I’m gesturing more when I talk. Suddenly, every photo opp is a hand-in-frame situation.
The jewelry booth was calling, the barbershop had a steady stream of people getting fresh cuts, and the cocktail stand was serving up creative mixes that people were actually taking time to appreciate.
And then there was the DrinkIQ booth—the gentle reminder that yes, we’re having fun, but let’s be smart about it. Don’t drink and drive. Stay hydrated. Take care of yourself and the people around you. It’s the kind of thing that could feel preachy, but instead, it just felt thoughtful.
What Chromoka Actually Means
The name itself is clever—”Chrome” meets “Omoka,” which is Swahili for “to make it.” It’s not just a catchy title; it’s literally what the campaign is about. Chrome celebrating the people who’ve been making it happen for the past decade.
Andrew Kilonzo, Country Managing Director at EABL, put it perfectly: “For a decade, Chrome has been more than just a beverage; it has been an integral part of countless cultural moments, a silent witness to joy, creativity, and connection. Chromoka is our way of acknowledging this incredible journey, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of our culture, and reaffirming our purpose to contribute meaningfully to it. We believe in the power of individual expression and the collective strength of community, and Chromoka is a testament to that belief.“
That hit different. Because when you think about it, Chrome really has been there—at the parties, the celebrations, the random Tuesday hangs that turned into core memories. Ten years of showing up.
What You Stand To Win
Mark Mugisha, Marketing and Innovations Director at KBL, broke down what’s up for grabs, .”Chromoka is about celebrating, empowering, and connecting,” he explained. “We have meticulously curated prizes that align with our brand’s values and directly contribute to the cultural landscape. Imagine an aspiring creator receiving a content creation masterclass that propels their career, or individuals winning cash rewards that can fuel their ambitions. To mark our 10-year anniversary, we are especially excited to be rewarding ten lucky winners with Ksh 1,000,000 each. These are the impactful moments we aim to create. We anticipate rewarding over 110,000 consumers through this campaign, fostering a sense of excitement and shared celebration across the nation.”
Read that again. Ten people are walking away with a million shillings. Each. And over 110,000 people total are winning something. Content creation masterclasses. Cash prizes. Things that actually move the needle in people’s lives.
How to Actually Win
It’s straightforward: Buy a bottle of Chrome, scratch the label to reveal your code, and send it to 22110. That’s it. You’re in the running. Obviously, you need to be of legal drinking age to participate. Chrome’s rules, not mine.
The Bigger Picture
Chrome City wasn’t just a launch event—it was a statement. After 10 years, they could have done the bare minimum. A press release. Maybe a billboard. Instead, they created an entire experience where people could actually connect, create, and celebrate.
Walking out of there on Thursday night, with fresh nails and a full stomach, knowing I had a public holiday to look forward to, I got it. This is what Chrome has been doing all along—not just selling a product, but creating the spaces where life actually happens.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Am I entering the Chromoka promotion? I am in it to win it.
Do I still think Chrome Chumz should have real-world value? Listen, I’m not letting that dream die.
Here’s to 10 years of Chrome making it, and to all of us making it right alongside them.
