10/07/2026
The Untold Story of the Kenyan Who Created Big G, A Chewing Gum That Became a National Icon
Every great brand has a story.
Some begin in billion-dollar boardrooms. Others start with a single person asking one simple question: What if we made it better?
For millions of Kenyans who grew up in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Big G wasn't just chewing gum, it was part of everyday life. Whether tucked away in a school bag, bought from a neighborhood kiosk, or shared among friends, the iconic red-and-yellow wrapper became a familiar sight across the country.
But few people know the remarkable Kenyan whose vision gave birth to one of the country's most recognizable brands.
His name was Sir George Owino, affectionately known as Big George or simply Big G.
A Young Man Who Saw What Others Didn't
In 1971, Wrigley East Africa opened its doors in Kenya.
While it would later become famous for brands like Juicy Fruit, Doublemint, and Orbit, the company had just begun its journey in the region.
Among its very first employees was a young Kenyan named George Owino, the first Kenyan ever hired by the company.
He joined as a marketer.
But instead of simply selling products, Owino did something extraordinary.
He studied the market.
He listened to customers.
And he noticed something everyone else had overlooked.
The chewing gum available at the time was simply... too small.
One Simple Idea Changed Everything
Rather than accepting things as they were, George Owino imagined something different.
What if people had a chewing gum that was larger, more satisfying, and impossible to ignore?
That simple idea led to the creation of Big G.
At the time, its larger pellet size was unlike anything the market had seen. Combined with its bold red packaging and bright yellow branding, Big G immediately stood out on shop shelves.
It wasn't just another chewing gum. It became an experience.
From a New Product to a National Favourite
Creating a great product was only half the battle.
An aggressive nationwide marketing campaign introduced Big G to households across Kenya, and consumers quickly embraced it.
By 1983, Big G had grown into one of the country's leading chewing gum brands, competing with established market giants.
Soon, it wasn't just popular.
It became a household name.
Generations of Kenyans grew up with Big G, creating memories that still bring smiles today.
The Man Behind the Success
George Owino's innovation didn't go unnoticed.
As Big G continued to dominate the market, his career flourished.
He steadily rose through the ranks as Wrigley expanded across Africa, eventually becoming the company's Chairman for East Africa remarkable achievement for a man who had started as its very first Kenyan employee.
His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't always about inventing something completely new.
Sometimes, it's about seeing opportunities others fail to notice.
Humble Beginnings, Extraordinary Legacy
Born in 1941, George Owino came from humble beginnings.
He was the only child of Patrick Owidh and Maria Obiero and began his education at Sega Primary School before joining Shimo la Tewa Intermediate School.
Few could have imagined that the young boy from a modest background would one day leave an imprint on Kenyan business history.
Yet his journey proves that greatness isn't determined by where you start, but by the courage to think differently.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, countless Kenyans remember Big G with nostalgia.
Many recall buying it on their way to school, chewing it during long bus rides, or sharing it with friends after class.
Behind those memories stands the legacy of one visionary Kenyan who believed that even something as ordinary as chewing gum could be made better.
George Owino didn't just create a product.
He created a brand that became part of Kenya's story.
And perhaps that's the greatest reminder of all:
One idea. One decision. One person. That's all it takes to leave a legacy that generations will remember.
