Alunga Omolo is a Kenyan artist and illustrator based in Nairobi. His recognisable figurative style captures a disappearing Africa and its traditional way of life.

He graduated from the University of Nairobi with a BEd (Fine Art) in 1980. At the same time he was a rugby union international for Kenya and captain of Kenya Harlequins, before fully turning his attention from sport to a career as an artist.

His career has included teaching, illustration, graphic design, and interior design. Today, however, it is his portraits and studies of people and life in Kenya that have become his trademark. He observes traditional events, customs and day-to-day tasks, capturing them in simple expressive ink drawings as well as richly coloured pastel and watercolour works.

His art can be found in boutique hotels, restaurants and offices across Kenya. He is now beginning to make his work available to collectors and buyers internationally.

For all purchase enquiries, please go to Contact Alunga.

Career

Following his graduation, Alunga began his professional career in education, teaching at State House Girls High School and the Arab International School.

He later founded Omak Design, developing interior design solutions for sports clubs, hotels, offices and other commercial spaces. His work has ranged from practical interior design to large-scale artistic installations, including the 14-foot reception wall installation in copper, brass and stainless steel for Jamii Telecom House in Upper Hill Nairobi, completed in 2017.

Alongside his design work, Alunga has continued to develop his career as a figurative artist. As a director of Yakini Gallery, he has helped organise and present exhibitions featuring artists from Kenya’s creative community, while also exhibiting his own work at venues including Yakini Gallery, Matungulu House, the French Cultural Centre in Nairobi and the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington, London.

Today, Alunga continues to work across art and design. He is developing his Disappearing Africa collection, documenting people, traditions and everyday life in Kenya, while continuing to manage selected projects through Omak Design.