Viral Tea Named Kenya's Best News & Entertainment Platform In 2025

Viral Tea, Kenya's leading Gen Z digital platform, has been crowned the Best News & Entertainment Platform in Kenya 2025 at the prestigious eighth Annual African Excellence Awards, hosted by United Kingdom (UK)-based publication MEA Markets.

The award recognises Viral Tea's commitment to delivering timely, engaging, and credible news and entertainment content tailored to the modern Kenyan audience. 

Competing against top-tier media brands from across the continent, the platform stood out in Kenya for its innovative approach to digital storytelling, audience engagement, and trend-focused reporting. Find the listing here.

Speaking after the win, Viral Tea’s editor-in-chief, Marvin Chege, hailed the recognition as a testament to the platform’s growth and impact since its inception in 2021.

Screengrab of Viral Tea being recognised as the best news and entertainment platform in Kenya in 2025. /MEA MARKETS

“In an era where Kenya's young people are demanding real-time content from media platforms to keep themselves up to date with the country's current affairs, this award is proof that authentic, quality-driven content still wins in the digital era. We’re proud to be shaping the conversation in Kenya’s news and entertainment space,” he remarked.

"This recognition for a very young media platform is indicative of us breaking barriers with bolder content, be it storytelling or regular news reporting that seeks to hold those in power and fame to account, providing an alternative voice to what isn't frequently covered in mainstream media."

The African Excellence Awards celebrate businesses and organisations driving progress and innovation across Africa.

MEA Markets noted that winners are selected through a rigorous process combining public nominations, market research, and assessment by an independent judging panel.

"The African Excellence Awards 2025 are a celebration of the businesses that are redefining industries and setting new benchmarks. From mining and manufacturing to healthcare and creative arts, Africa is teeming with excellence. The award highlights industries that have seen remarkable growth and innovation," states MEA Markets on its official website.

Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper, in a press release, commented on the success of this year’s issue: “We’re delighted to present such a fine selection of updates and success stories as our winners – and the region’s stars – continue to improve business in their clients’ companies, professional development, and the future of enterprises everywhere. Congratulations on your well-deserved win in our esteemed awards programme for 2025!”

Founded with a mission to deliver fresh, relatable, and unfiltered reporting, Viral Tea has built a loyal following by blending news accuracy with a contemporary, youthful voice.

Rising from a digital startup to one of the most respected digital media platforms, the platform covers breaking news, politics, current affairs, entertainment, business, sports, and trending social topics, resonating with Kenya’s vibrant digital generation.

Moreover, Viral Tea holds pride in being the only media platform in Kenya, be it mainstream or digital, to have a segment dedicated exclusively to aviation. In it, coverage on one of Kenya's most underreported sectors ranges from breaking news, industry developments, human interest and politics tied to aviation, as well as explainers on the aviation sector.

On May 15, Viral Tea was recognised amongst Kenya's most popular news websites by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), grouped in the 'Others' category at 2 per cent readership, a rise from the 0.4 per cent readership in 2023. 

There was some significance as the platform beat renowned players such as Ghafla and Mpasho, which garnered a 1 per cent readership compared to 3 per cent and 7 per cent respectively in 2023.

In 2023, Viral Tea was ranked second-best among 14 online media platforms nominated for the awards in the 'Online Media of the Year' category during the Pride of Kenya Awards (POKA).

With this latest accolade, Viral Tea now joins a select group of African media leaders recognised for their excellence and influence in shaping the continent’s news and storytelling landscape from a digital point of view.