Sno Cream is the oldest ice cream parlour in Africa, established in 1958 by a Tanzanian-British artist, Paul Mullen, located in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). The parlour has been a favourite destination for Nairobi residents due to its range of ice cream products that are affordable and diverse. Sno Cream has been owned by the same family for many generations.
Revival of Sno Cream
In 1986, the British founder of Sno Cream sold the business to Wendo Mwapach and Yusuf Zialor. They later sold it to an Indian in 1960, who ran and developed it. In 1961 the business partners opened another Sno Cream store in Tanzania, which is now run by Maryam Zialor, daughter of Yusuf Zialor.
Maryam Zialor took over the Nairobi branch of the ice cream parlour in 2014 when it was on the brink of collapse. “In 2014, I leapt on the brink of a sinking ship that was Sno Cream. Sales were low, staff morale was affected, and product quality was on the edge of decline”, Maryam said. Therefore, she started working on product quality and boosting staff morale, which resulted in Sno Cream’s success.
Historical significance
Sno Cream is a historic landmark in Nairobi, and many well-known Kenyans have praised its significance, including activist Boniface Mwangi and journalist George Ndirangu. “Governor Sakaja should touristically map the CBD, put interesting facts with historical images,” he said. Ndirangu also acknowledged Sno Cream’s accomplishments, such as its membership in the global Ice Cream Alliance, which advocates for ice cream policies worldwide. “Beloved Sno Cream in Kenya, is a member of the global company Ice Cream Alliance. One of ICA’s mandates is lobbying parliaments, media and influencing policy,” George Ndirangu noted.
Loyal Customers of Sno Cream
Sno Cream continues to be a popular ice cream parlour that caters to customers of all ages, with many of them remaining loyal over the years. The vintage-themed shop has been visited by generations of families who appreciate the affordable and delicious ice cream products.
Sno Cream is an essential piece of Nairobi’s history, and its success despite adversity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its owners over the years.
