17-year-old Eric Wambugu is a talented chef and content creator who was recently named as Guest Chef for Java House.
He recently launched a limited-time guest chef menu with Java House Africa, creating six original recipes available at over 100 locations nationwide.
His lifelong passion has been to become a private chef.
Eric Wambugu Journey
His journey began in March 2020, when he launched the Budding Chef Eric social media accounts.
He independently plans, films, and edits all culinary content across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Through his content creation, he has gained over 12 million views on his videos shared across social media platforms.
He has built a following of 41,400+ on Instagram, 25,000+ on Facebook, 19,000+ on TikTok, and 2,660+ on YouTube, with a mission to inspire 100,000 children globally to fall in love with cooking.
In August 2023, he worked as a Freelance Video Producer with Clergy TV, producing Swahili-language YouTube content.
Eric is also the Co-Founder of Bourne Kenya, where, since July 2024, he has raised funds to provide 96 math’s sets and encyclopedias to primary school students.
Additionally, he has served as a Youth Council Member with Eco Brothers, Inc. since December 2024, promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment by organizing impactful events, mentorship programs, and innovative community solutions.
Since June 2021, he has worked as a Freelance Photographer, capturing food, events, sports, landscapes, and people.
Eric attended the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in July 2024 on a $3,050 scholarship.
During this period, he explored business-related subjects, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, and developing the water filtration project Aqua Shield.
He competed in the 2024 World Scholar’s Cup Global Round, earning gold medals in debate (individual and team.
In February 2024, he represented Guyana at the 42nd East African Model United Nations, drafting a resolution addressing Liberia’s food crisis and leading a delegation while developing leadership, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
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Educational Background
Eric is currently enrolled at the African Leadership Academy, pursuing a two-year diploma in African Studies, Entrepreneurship, Writing and Rhetoric, Economics, Math, and Chemistry, with an expected completion in June 2027.
From September 2021 to June 2025, he attended Naisula School, following the IGCSE curriculum
While at school, he was recognized as one of the top five students out of 60 in his school during the Checkpoint Examination, earning outstanding merits in the three core subjects.
In August 2018, he attended a Cake Decorating and Pastry course at Valentine School of Cake, building his early culinary foundation.
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Achievements
Wambugu has received numerous accolades recognizing his talent, leadership, and impact.
In November 2024, he was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Children in Africa by Mtoto News.
He was also nominated for Next Generation Influencer at the Pulse Live Influencer Awards for sparking change in local communities and shaping the digital content space.
In June 2024, he earned a Gold Medal at the World Scholar’s Cup Kuala Lumpur Global Round, ranking among the top 7% of debaters out of 681 participants.
Earlier in February 2022, he was recognized as the 12th Best Junior Debater by the African Debate Academy, competing successfully against both senior and junior scholars while helping his team secure the Second Runners-Up trophy in the Bronze Cup.
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