Java House

Java House (formerly Nairobi Java House) is a chain of coffee houses with its head office at ABC Place in Nairobi, Kenya,^[1] founded in 1999 by Kevin Ashley and Jon Wagner.^[2] When founded, it was one of the few places to find "export-quality" Kenyan coffee brewed and served in the region,^[3] although specialty coffee culture has seen a significant increase in Kenya in recent years.^[4]

Starting from the first cafe at Adam's Arcade along Ngong Road which opened in 1999,^[5] Java House has grown to 73 locations across East Africa as of June 2024.^[6] The Java brand is also the owner of Italian pizza chain 360 Degrees Pizza and the first ever East African self-service frozen yoghurt store, Planet Yogurt.^[7]

Corporate governance

Past Chief Executive Officers

Kevin Ashley (2010–2016)

• Co-founded Nairobi Java House in 1999.^[8]
• Oversaw the company's growth from a single brand, Nairobi Java House, in Kenya to multiple brands in Kenya and Uganda.
• Completed the sale of Java House to Emerging Capital Partners in 2012.^[9]

Ken Kuguru (2016–2018)

• Grew Java House to 60+ stores across 10 cities in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.^[10]
• In 2017, led the company to one of the most successful private equity F&B deals in East Africa to date.^[11][12][13]

Paul Smith (2018 - 2021)

• Paul's principal role is the development and implementation of the Group's growth and development strategies.^[14]

Derrick Van Houten 2021 - 2022

Priscilla Gathungu 2022 - Present Group CEO Priscilla is the Group Chief Executive Officer at Java House Group. 2022 - Present

Priscilla was appointed as Group CEO in November 2022.