[Startup Interview] Julianne Obonyo, director of content for Afrikan Mbiu, Kenya
Africa Business Communities brings this interview with Julianne Obonyo, Head of Content for Afrikan Mbiu, Kenya.
What is Afrikan Mbiu?
Afrikan Mbiu is a digital media company founded last year, 2014. We operate mainly in communications, with our offices in Nairobi.
What is your business background, Julianne?
It’s not extensive but it’s very much of this generation, and again I relied on digital communication. Right after completing my university studies I started an online clothing shop to sell clothes through social media, specifically Facebook. It grew steadily and the followers poured in.
Why was Afrikan Mbiu started?
Afrikan Mbiu seeks to showcase Africa in a positive light. It is a voice for Africans. All around we see the major media outlets in the world (CNN, BBC, etc.) attempting to tell our stories, but they tend to do so with biases. These biases have led to unpleasant and untrue. We should have our own outlets to share our stories, in our words.
How would you describe the Startup Environment in Kenya, in terms of governmental support?
Kenya has a rapidly growing number of entrepreneurs so I’m inclined to say the startup environment is quite friendly now. For example, the government has made name searching and other government-related processes easier by making it a digitized process. This was not the case a few years ago.
What can Afrikan Mbiu do that other companies cannot?
Simple. We are trying to finally give Africa its voice. We do not need others to speak for us. They can, but we can and should also share perspectives from the motherland.
What will Afrikan Mbiu deliver in 2015?
This year we plan to launch the audiovisual part of Afrikan Mbiu called Mbiu TV. We will start with a YouTube channel that will feature talk shows and reviews. We also plan to start our videography services.
What do you want people and companies who read this interview to do?
For people? They could follow us on Facebook Afrikan Mbiu, on Twitter @AfrikanMbiu and Instagram AfrikanMbiu. They will be able to keep up with all the developments around Africa.
Companies can contact us on email info@afrikanmbiu.com for partnerships and sponsorships. We are always open to new ideas for moving forward.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses in Africa. Are you a startup and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com