Honoured To Be Recognized As One of The Public Relations Society of Kenya's Top 30 Men In PR For?2024.

A few months ago, I received an email from the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) informing me that I had been selected as one of the Top 30 Men in PR for 2024. The news, quite frankly, left me stunned. I’ve always thought of myself primarily as a digital marketer, entrepreneur, and technology enthusiast?—?roles that don’t always fit neatly into the traditional definition of “PR.” For more than a moment, I doubted whether my work truly qualified me for such recognition.

The official announcement came a few weeks ago, in November 2024, and I’ll admit it’s taken me some time to share this update. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity?—?managing projects, speaking engagements, and everything in between. But as the dust settled, I’ve had time to reflect on what this recognition truly means.

Looking back, I’ve come to realize how much of my journey aligns with the broader field of public relations and communication. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the crossroads of technology, digital marketing, and storytelling, fields that have become increasingly inseparable from modern PR.

My work as the Founder & CEO of Dotsavvy , one of Kenya’s oldest digital marketing agencies, has naturally intersected with PR in significant ways:

Training Programs: I’ve worked closely with PR professionals, helping them adopt digital tools and strategies to amplify their communication efforts.

Thought Leadership: Through blogging, podcasting, and public speaking, I’ve shared insights on the convergence of PR and Digital, showing how technology can enhance storytelling and audience engagement.

Driving Conversations: Using my platforms, I’ve helped shape conversations around communication, reputation management, and the role of technology in building trust and influence.

This recognition has been a humbling reminder that the impact of our work is often far-reaching, even when we don’t fully recognize it ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks, focusing on what needs to be done next, without pausing to consider the larger influence we might be having on others or the industries we serve.

What this recognition from PRSK has shown me is that PR is no longer confined to traditional practices. The tools, platforms, and methods have evolved, and the boundaries between PR, digital marketing, and storytelling are increasingly fluid. It’s not about where you start or what label you place on your work; it’s about how your contributions shape relationships, inspire trust, and create impact.

I am deeply grateful to PRSK for this recognition, which has encouraged me to continue exploring new ways to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to the future of communication.

The PRSK PR Digest Feature: My Digital & PR Story

PRSK featured my journey in their publication, The PR Digest, as part of their Top 30 Men in PR for 2024 series. Below is the full article where I discuss my career, skills, challenges, and thoughts on the future of PR and digital communications:

Q1: What do you currently do at your organization?

As the Founder & CEO at Dotsavvy, my role includes leading the strategic and tactical aspects of the digital agency across a myriad of areas in close collaboration with a talented and highly capable multidisciplinary team.

Q2: What skills have you acquired over the years and how have these skills propelled your professional journey?

As an entrepreneur and seasoned digital marketing and communications practitioner for close to three decades, I have had the privilege of evolving my skillsets and competencies in several key areas. These include being able to develop, implement and manage digital strategies for our clients using a range of solutions such as websites, social media, digital content, and digital advertising. I have also learned how to lead teams successfully across different organizational functions. As a blogger, podcaster, analyst, speaker, and trainer on all things digital in Kenya and Africa for almost two decades, I have amassed immense experience on sharing insights that are highly valued by all stakeholders. Collectively, the sum of my professional experiences have put me in good stead as a thought leader and practitioner in Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.

Q3: Where do you imagine yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years’ time, from my current vantage point, I imagine still being active in Kenya’s and Africa’s digital ecosystem in expanding the scope of my interests and competencies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence. I also see that I should have published at least one book and should also be involved as an investor and leader in possibly a few startups. I also imagine doing more writing and creating content via other platforms at scale. Basically, doing what I am doing already but with more focus on some of these areas.

Q4: Who in the PR and Communications landscape has given you the best advice? What did they say and how did it help you?

Through the years, I have consulted with many PR and Communications practitioners. I have long admired and engaged with some like Kui Kinyanjui, MIPRA who was highly inspirational to me when I started my blog as she was quite probably one of Kenya’s first technology journalists. She made me realize that I too could do so with a blog given what she was doing.

Q5: What excites you about the PR industry?

I think that the convergence of PR and Digital with a focus on the current emerging era of AI will open up so many opportunities to enhance and grow the industry in a myriad of ways. PR will become much more scalable and measurable but at the same time will be able to take advantage of next practices in line with evolving consumer behavior.

Q6: What’s the best advice you can give young and upcoming people?

At this juncture, I would say that technology is everything and everything is technology. Therefore, young people need to embrace this reality as it will be essential for all things in the future work.

Q7: What is your greatest fear and have you ever tried to face it?

My greatest fear at this time is fear of not achieving my full potential. Therefore, I am always looking at how to ensure I keep learning, growing, and evolving to do so. This fear keeps me on my toes!

Q8: If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

Life is interesting. You are where you are because of what you went through. So changing anything would mean you may not be who you are today. From this perspective, however, I wish I could have started my entrepreneurial journey sooner rather than later. I stayed employed for more years than I should have in hindsight.

Parting shot.

Do things that scare you. Never stop changing with the times. The future is digital!

Watch My PRSK Video Interview

To complement the magazine feature, PRSK produced a short video interview where I reflect on:

The journey of building Dotsavvy, arguably Kenya’s oldest digital marketing agency, and how it has evolved over 22 years.

The opportunities and challenges I’ve faced at the intersection of PR and digital marketing.

Lessons learned from nearly two decades of sharing stories through blogging, podcasting, and training.

Advice for young professionals navigating the ever-changing communication landscape.

The video was shot at Teja Spaces , located at Delta Riverside Office Park, Block 2, 3rd Floor, Riverside Drive, Nairobi. Teja Spaces is a premier co-working space offering:

Premium private offices for businesses needing privacy and professionalism.

Flexible workspaces suited to teams and individuals.

Modern meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

If you’re seeking a professional and inspiring environment to work from, I highly recommend checking them out.

Watch the full video here:?

Final Thoughts

I’ve learned that success in today’s world is increasingly about breaking silos. Whether it’s PR professionals embracing digital tools or marketers learning the principles of reputation management, the lines between traditional and digital roles are blurring. This convergence is not just inevitable; it’s an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation.

Being recognized by PRSK is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements?—?it’s a call to continue evolving, learning, and contributing. As we enter a new era defined by AI, data-driven communication, and immersive digital experiences, I’m excited to explore how these technologies will reshape the way we tell stories and build connections.

To anyone doubting their ability to make an impact: your work matters, even in ways you might not immediately recognize. Keep pushing boundaries, embrace change, and never underestimate the power of your unique perspective.?