![[African Blogger interview] Nixon Kanali, Founder, TechtrendsKe, Kenya](Images/2019/05/Nixon Kanali-Africa Business Communities.jpg)
[African Blogger interview] Nixon Kanali, Founder, TechtrendsKe, Kenya
Nixon Kanali is a tech blogger based in Nairobi Kenya. His blog TechtrendsKe was recently voted best Tech blog in Kenya at the 2019 Bloggers Association of Kenya, BAKE, awards. We spoke to Nixon about how it all began.
Congratulations on your prize, Nixon! What does this mean for you and your blog?
Thank you. The award means so much to me considering the efforts I have always put in since I started the blog about 5 years ago. It is really a motivation and this is really going to inspire me to continue reporting on technology in Kenya and across Africa.
What is the name and location of your blog?
The blog is called TechTrendsKE (www.techtrendske.co.ke) and I run it from Nairobi Kenya.
What is your blog about?
Just as the name suggests, TechTrendsKE is a technology blog and I mainly cover technology and business trends in Kenya and across Africa including products and service reviews. When I talk about product reviews I mean things like smartphones, smartwatches, applications and much more.
I work with a number of brands that make these products available for me to just to interact with them and develop content. So when you’re looking to read specs sheets or opinion pieces about certain products, my blog is your go-to website.
How many and what kind of people do you reach with your blog?
This always varies depending on how consistent I am in producing content for the blog, although I always have content up and running every day. On a good day, the blog receives an average of between 2,000 to 3000 visitors.
Of course, these numbers come from me sharing my content on my different social media pages and also a weekly newsletter I produce as well as Google searches.
My readers are mainly people who want to be updated about technology trends so its always tech industry leaders, tech-savvy people and business leaders as well.
What makes people return to your blog?
I think this is because of how unique and how I have been able to segment and categorize my content. For example, I have content on Gadgets, Reviews, content on Social Media, Business and also a very active section where I just cover African startups and the amazing work they’re doing. By doing this, people are sure whenever they turn to my blog they well get content around everything tech in Africa.
The thing is, when the idea of starting a tech blog first came to my mind, I knew what I wanted and what I wanted to focus on and as time went by, most of my readers started demanding for more. That’s actually why I even introduced a section on business, fintech and cybersecurity.
And this has made them stay and always visiting my blog because they know every single day they will always find new type of content around these topics.
How can companies that want their content on your blog work with you?
Other than covering the usual tech news and trends, as I said, I have worked with a number of brands who have always had their content published on my blog as sponsored content. I have also covered tech events and all this information has always been published on the blog. That’s one-way companies have engaged me through the blog.
My contact details are available on my blog anyone can always reach out to me should they need help with me featuring them on my blog. This also includes sponsored interviews and much more.
What do you think is the future of blogging in Africa?
The future of blogging in Africa is very bright. It has given a voice to young Africans like me who at some point felt we had none and also opened up huge opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. It is actually being described as the new frontier for African millennials because for some of us it actually turned out to be a career.
The challenge of getting online is still there but you will agree in the coming years blogging in Africa will enjoy explosive growth, helping shape a positive African narrative.
What is the latest news in your field?
I just started a new podcast called Africa Startup RoundUp where I just talk to startup founders getting to understand their products and the amazing work they are doing. I have done three episodes so far. The plan is to be doing it weekly. All these episodes are also published on my blog.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with African bloggers. Are you an African blogger and are interested in an interview about your blog?
Please send an email to Diana Wangeci diana@africabusinesscommunities.com
