July 13, 2016 marked a new era for Swahili Village Bar and Grill and the residents in the historic Town of Beltsville. Known for its innovations and being home to one of the largest federal research centers in the world, Beltsville will now claim its place in the history books as host to the finest African restaurant globally with the opening of Swahili Village Bar and Grill’s new location. The new location is the result of hardworking, vision and dedication and has been inspected by Maryland Prince George’s County agents to ensure every single detail is according to the strict code and guidelines for restaurants.

The official opening of Swahili Village Bar and Grill’s new location at 10800N Rhode Island Ave, Beltsville, Maryland; is set to revolutionize the concept of African restaurants both nationally and internationally. A jewel in the works from the groundbreaking in late 2014, the restaurant has been developed with customer satisfaction top on the agenda. It is a topnotch experience from the moment one walks in and views the details that have been captured in the rich wooden finishing, lighting and interior décor that is a reflection of the bold authentic Kenyan cuisine that will be served. Billed to carve a place on the national wine and dining arena, Swahili Village has maintained a steady growth since its inception back in 2009. The new location has expanded seating and parking in response to the popularity of its Kenyan cuisine that mirrors a Kenyan family’s dining table.

The Kenyan Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Robinson Githae kicked off the grand opening with a tape cutting ceremony. The unveiling at the ceremony in June 2016 was a showcase of what Swahili Village Bar and Grill had to offer in fine dining, carryout and catering services. It was attended by African Union Mission in DC Mr. Tarek Ben Yousef, Tanzanian Ambassador H.E Wilson Mashilingi, Namibian Ambassador H.E Martin Andjaba, Maryland State Delegate Joseline A Pena-Melnyk, Vice President Dr Or Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Dr. Ganguly among other Stakeholders to share in the major accomplishment of the owner, Kevin Onyona.

Based on family values and a desire to follow the love of his life, Kevin Onyona’s packed his bags back in Kenya August 1999 to come visit Lynn Senda, then an undergraduate student pursuing her degree at Howard University, Washington DC. “Lynn would not let me go back to Kenya without a promise” Kevin narrating his experience back then. Returning home, he knew one day he would return to marry Lynn. Initially trained as a priest, Mr. Onyona opted to pursue a Sales career with Associated Motors back in Kenya, followed by General Motors in Kenya, then Uganda and eventually relocating to Maryland to join Home Depot. His award winning performance endeared him to various entities while his entrepreneurial gene drove him as a self taught chef to open a restaurant. Nineteen years later as the President and CEO and now husband to Lynn, he has maintained a steady growth of his original concept for the last seven years to develop the best in African cuisine and World Class service.

Mr. Onyona felt a masterpiece was in the making when he conceptualized the restaurant back in 2013.  Mark Kibutu, an architecture born in Kenya possessing over 15 years of General Architecture and Interior Design with an emphasis on Hospitality, Educational facilities, Retail design and Residential housing, was approached by Mr Onyona to carry out his concept. Mr. Kibutu’s firm, 2KI ARCHITECTS, LLC is based in Jersey, and has an impressive reputation and is renowned for its work. Kibutu has completed projects nationally and internationally with a clientele list of hotel chains, spas, restaurants and schools to name a few. The finish is a testament to his meticulous eye for detail clearly visible in the wooden paneling, lighting and fixtures infused into the design to create the perfect ambiance for a dinner with friends or to transport clientele across continents to “nyumbani” or home in Kenya. Divided into four sections with a hostess in the reception area to usher you in for a true taste of Kenya whether you choose to host an intimate party in the VIP dining area, share a meal among friends in the general dining area, enjoyed bottled services in an elegant lounge setting or savor a drink at the Bar stocked with the famous Kenyan Tusker Premium Larger, finest South African Wines and a wide selection of liquor and beers.

Come and enjoy riveting ambiance, diverse conversation and unrivaled service while you dine on “A Bold Authentic Kenyan Cuisine.”