Kenya, July 24 -- Kenyan fitness coach and influencer Frankie JustGymit's metrosexual style has ignited widespread attention after he openly identified as metrosexual on the Mic Cheque Podcast, released July 20, 2025.
The term, coined in the early 2000s to describe heterosexual men who prioritise grooming, fashion, and appearance, fits Frankie's bold embrace of painted nails, heels, and flamboyant outfits, inspired by icons like James Brown.
His candid discussion about his evolving fashion sense and metrosexual identity has sparked both admiration and debate across social media, with posts noting his influence as a Nairobi-based fitness guru redefining masculinity.
Frankie Kiarie, known as Frankie JustGymit, has built a 225,000-strong Instagram following through his fitness brand, Just Gym It, offering workout regimes and nutrition advice.
His metrosexual persona, marked by meticulous grooming like manicured nails and experimental fashion, sets him apart in Kenya's fitness scene. On the podcast, Frankie explained, "It's just fashion. Girls love it," emphasising how his style, including leather pants and open floral shirts, draws inspiration from urban trends and enhances his public image.
His openness about living with vitiligo, a condition causing irregular skin pigmentation, further underscores his confidence in embracing a polished, non-traditional look despite public scrutiny.
Metrosexuality, blending "metropolitan" and "heterosexual," describes men who invest heavily in skincare, haircare, and stylish clothing, often in urban settings like Nairobi's Westlands.
Frankie's fashion evolution, starting in 2022 with bold choices like heels, aligns with this trend, challenging Kenya's conservative gender norms. A 2012 Daily Mail study noted metrosexuality's rise among urban men, with figures like David Beckham normalising grooming habits once deemed effeminate.
In Kenya, where 35% of youth face unemployment, Frankie's metrosexual style resonates with Gen Z, who value self-expression, as seen in netizens' calls to explain the term "like I'm Karen Nyamu."
Frankie's fashion choices, including posing with comedian Mammito in a club wearing a flowery shirt, have fueled speculation about his personal life, with some joking about his "19 wives" or potential new relationships.
Despite past controversies, including breakups with Maureen Waititu and Corazon Kwamboka, Frankie maintains a strong co-parenting relationship with both, crediting their patience for raising his four children.
His candidness about co-parenting on the podcast, coupled with his metrosexual flair, has made him a role model for balancing family and a polished public image in Nairobi's vibrant social scene.
The influencer's grooming habits, like maintaining well-groomed nails and sharing skincare tips, align with global metrosexual trends, as seen in outlets like GQ, which highlight men's growing interest in fashion and self-care.
In Kenya, where K-pop and Western pop culture influence youth, Frankie's style taps into a rising demand for metrosexual grooming products, with local brands like Rubis sponsoring fitness events.
His new gym, launched in October 2024, doubles as a lifestyle hub, promoting fitness and fashion, with Maureen Waititu publicly congratulating him on Instagram, signalling a healed co-parenting dynamic.
Critics, however, question Frankie's motives, with some fans likespeculating about his sexuality, reflecting Kenya's conservative undercurrents.
Frankie addressed this on the podcast, stating his style is about aesthetics, not identity, drawing parallels to global stars like Rick James.
His metrosexual identity challenges stereotypes, encouraging Kenyan men to embrace fashion without fear, as seen in his advice: "Looking different makes people approach you." Online Trends shows surging searches for "Frankie JustGymit metrosexual style" and "Kenya men's grooming trends 2025," especially among Kenya's diaspora and urban youth.
Frankie's influence extends beyond fitness, with his metrosexual persona shaping Nairobi's cultural landscape. His emphasis on sustainable fitness habits, shared via YouTube vlogs, complements his stylish image, appealing to Kenya's growing fitness fashion market.
As Gen Z drives demand for self-expression, Frankie's bold choices-manicured nails, vibrant outfits, and confident co-parenting- position him as a trailblazer.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.