Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape has been shaped by many brilliant minds, but few have left as lasting an impression as Sir George Owino. He was the mastermind behind Big G, the chewing gum that became a household name in Kenya and the East African market.
At a time when international brands like Juicy Fruit, Spearmint, and PK (now Orbit) dominated the chewing gum industry, Owino’s innovation redefined the market and led to the establishment of Wrigley’s East African factory in Nairobi. His pioneering work not only revolutionized chewing gum but also inspired indigenous entrepreneurship in the region.
The Rise of Big G and Owino’s Impact on the Industry
Sir George Owino joined Wrigley Kenya in 1971 as a marketer, making history as the first-ever Kenyan employee at the newly launched company.
Despite being a newcomer, Owino had a keen eye for innovation. At the time, most chewing gums came in small pellets, but he envisioned something different—a larger, more satisfying gum. His idea led to the birth of Big G, a product that would become a Kenyan favorite for decades.
The success of Big G in the Kenyan and East African markets convinced Wrigley’s global management to invest in a regional manufacturing plant in Nairobi, ensuring that East Africa had its own production hub for chewing gum.
With its distinctively larger size, bold red branding, and yellow lettering, Big G stood out from the competition. By 1983, the gum had gained massive popularity and was competing with global brands.
Sir George Owino: From Marketer to Wrigley’s Chairman
As Big G’s popularity soared, so did Owino’s career. He was promoted through the ranks, eventually becoming the chairman of Wrigley East Africa, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.
Despite stepping down from Wrigley, Owino was not done with the business. In 1977, he founded Orbit Distributors, a company dedicated to distributing Wrigley products across East Africa. This move cemented his legacy as a business mogul and one of Kenya’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Early Life and Education
Sir George Owino was born in 1941 into a humble household as the only child of Patrick Owidh and Maria Obiero. His journey began in Sega Primary School, after which he proceeded to Shimo la Tewa Intermediate School. His hard work, ambition, and strategic thinking eventually earned him a place at Wrigley, where he would transform Kenya’s chewing gum industry forever.
Big G’s Lasting Legacy
Sir George Owino’s contributions to Kenya’s business landscape remain significant. Big G became more than just a gum—it was a symbol of homegrown innovation and a favorite among generations.
He passed away in July 2004, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business excellence. His journey mirrors that of other Kenyan business pioneers, such as Sir Henry.
Although Big G has since been discontinued, its impact on the market and Kenyan popular culture remains unparalleled. Sir George Owino’s story is an inspiration to many and a testament to the power of innovation and resilience in business.
Conclusion
Sir George Owino was a visionary entrepreneur whose simple yet revolutionary idea reshaped the Kenyan market. His creation, Big G, dominated East Africa’s chewing gum industry and inspired generations of entrepreneurs to think big and challenge global brands.
His legacy lives on, not just in the memory of Big G, but in the enduring spirit of Kenyan entrepreneurship and innovation.
“George Owino: Story of Man behind Big G, Kenya’s Biggest Chewing Gum,” Kenyans.co.ke, April 11, 2022, https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/74733-george-owino-story-man-behind-big-g-kenyas-biggest-chewing-gum.
