Turkey's relatively recent engagement with sub-Saharan Africa has been the subject of debate among scholars and policymakers. Various attempts have been made to answer questions such as “why Africa?” and “why now?” but these have largely ignored two key variables explaining Turkey's foray: structural/political economy factors within Turkey and within various African states; and African reactions to Turkey's engagement. Using a comparative approach and by exploring the African side of the equation as well as deconstructing the contours of Turkey's engagement with Kenya and Somalia, I argue that Turkey's commitment of resources to Africa has been positively shaped by six key factors. These the timing of Ankara's initial engagement, the capacity for risk of Turkish government and businesses, Turkish products and expertise, projection of Turkish “soft power”, generally positive or unformed views of Turkey in Africa given its lack of imperial baggage, and Turkey's highly-coordinated and unilateral approach to engagement with African states and leaders, which generally eschews entanglements with international organizations or other alliances. These factors are crucial to understanding Turkey's nascent successes in sub-Saharan Africa, but certain political, economic and social factors - if left unaddressed - could spoil what currently seems a mutually-beneficial engagement. Should Turkey positively address these deficiencies and better understand Africa and Africans in the process, it could become an indispensable partner, not only for Kenya and Somalia, but potentially for much of eastern and southern Africa.