A new restaurant in Nairobi is drawing attention for an unusual reason: robot waiters named Nadia and Claire are helping serve customers.
The two robots have quickly become a local attraction. They move smoothly between tables, delivering food and adding a futuristic feel to the dining experience. The restaurant opened just two months ago, but it is already creating buzz across the city.
Robots and Humans Working Side by Side
Inside the restaurant, robots work alongside human staff. According to waitress Gladys Guda, the robots help manage busy periods, especially on weekends.
“When the restaurant is full, we can have ten waiters and three robots on the floor,” she explains. “The robots are like our colleagues. They help us deliver food, and their service is very reliable.”
Customers begin by scanning a QR code on their table to view the menu. They place their orders online using their phones. Once the kitchen prepares the food, a bell rings to alert a human waiter.
The waiter places the meal on a robot’s tray. With a few commands entered on an iPad, the robot then carries the food directly to the customer’s table.
How the Robot System Works
The robots operate using special software managed from a central control system. They are programmed to navigate around tables, chairs, and people without bumping into them.
After a full day of work, the robots are plugged in and charged overnight so they are ready for the next shift.
While robot waiters are common in countries such as China, Japan, and the United States, they are still a new experience for many people in East Africa.
Customers Welcome the Innovation
Many diners say the robots add excitement to their visit. For some, it is their first time seeing robots serve food in a restaurant.
“It’s something very unique,” says customer Packson Chege. “I’ve never seen a restaurant like this in Kenya before. I think it’s a great idea by the owner.”
The restaurant has seen growing interest, with customers visiting not only for the food but also to experience the technology.
Job Loss Fears Emerge
Despite the excitement, the introduction of robot waiters has raised concerns about job losses, especially in Kenya’s hospitality sector, which employs thousands of people.
Some fear that increased automation could reduce the need for human workers in restaurants and hotels.
Management Responds to Concerns
Restaurant manager John Kariuki says those fears are misplaced. He stresses that the robots are not replacing staff.
“The robots cannot function fully without human support,” Kariuki explains. “They cannot take orders, serve drinks, or interact with customers the way humans do.”
He also points out that the robots are very expensive to buy and maintain.
“If you are trying to save money, robots are not the solution,” he says. “We introduced them mainly for entertainment and to give customers an experience similar to what they see in developed countries.”
Experts Say Humans Still Matter
Hospitality industry consultant Edith Ojwang agrees that robots are unlikely to replace workers entirely.
“The hospitality industry serves many types of customers,” she says. “Some people enjoy automation, while others prefer human warmth and interaction.”
She adds that the diversity of customer preferences means there will always be space for human workers.
A Glimpse of the Future
The success of the robot-powered restaurant could inspire other businesses in Kenya to experiment with technology. However, experts believe robots will remain a support tool, not a replacement for people.
For now, Nadia and Claire continue to entertain diners, offering a glimpse of how technology and human service can work together in Kenya’s evolving hospitality industry.