Mama Rocks—Burger Kitchen Limited, a Nairobi-based gourmet burger chain, faces possible liquidation following a petition filed by co-founder Samantha Amimo Mwedekeli.
The petition, filed on 16 October 2024, is scheduled for a hearing before the High Court, Commercial and Tax Division at Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi, on 12 June 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
According to the official court notice (INSOLVENCY CAUSE NO. E71 OF 2024), “Notice is given that a Petition for the liquidation of the above-mentioned Company, MAMA ROCKS–BURGER KITCHEN LIMITED, a Limited Liability Company with its registered address at P.O. Box 788 – 00610, Nairobi, was on the 16th October 2024 presented to the said court by SAMANTHA AMIMO MWEDEKELI care of Messrs. Madhani Advocates LLP.”
The notice further invites “any other Creditor or Contributory of the said Company desirous to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition” to appear in court either in person or by an advocate. Copies of the petition are available upon payment of the regulated charge.
On the same day the petition was filed, the founders announced a temporary closure of Mama Rocks to “work on some important changes for the future of Mama Rocks.”
Creditors and shareholders have been invited to participate in the court proceedings.
Founded in 2016 by sisters Samantha and Natalie Mwedekeli, Mama Rocks quickly became a staple of Nairobi’s urban dining scene, blending African flavors with international fast-casual concepts.
The brand evolved from a food truck to multiple brick-and-mortar outlets, earning acclaim for its innovative Pan-African gourmet burgers made with premium, fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
If the court grants the petition, Mama Rocks’ assets could be sold to satisfy debts, and the company would be struck from the register of companies. The chain’s mission has been to celebrate African culture through food, music, and immersive dining experiences, aiming to position itself as a national export of culinary excellence.
The Mwedekeli sisters, drawing on their Nigerian-Kenyan heritage and London upbringing, launched Mama Rocks to disrupt the global food industry by marrying American-style gourmet burgers with African flavours.
After leaving corporate careers in 2015, they developed the brand and launched their first food truck in January 2016.
Their vision was to challenge stereotypes and showcase the vibrant culinary identity of Africa.
This liquidation petition marks a critical juncture for Mama Rocks in Nairobi’s competitive food and beverage sector, with stakeholders awaiting the court’s decision.
