Motivational speakers-also referred to as inspirational speakers-were a novelty in Kenya until recently. For beginners, a motivational speaker is someone who has mastered a certain subject or undergone a difficult experience that has elevated him/her into a better person. They have a way with words that will push an audience to want to maximise their potential.
Corporates and learning institutions use these speakers to bring the best out of their employees. It is worth mentioning that we have different types of speakers-though some see themselves as all rounded. Here is how they can be classified:
Personal development
The most common type of speakers we have in the country. They mostly talk of their situation and how they overcame adversity to reach the pinnacle of their career which has a profound effect on the audience.
Business
A speaker in this field is knowledgeable on matters business. He rejuvenates business executives and sales people to give their best.
We also have youth mentors and community speakers.
How to become a motivational speaker
Knowing your area of expertise: You cannot be a jack of all trades. Define your area of expertise and let that be your speciality. If you have knowledge in business, then it becomes easy when you give talks around that subject.
Sharpen your public speaking skills
Most of us have a story to tell but how to tell it in front of a crowd is the biggest challenge. Oratorical skills require practice. You can start in front of your family and graduate slowly to a small school as you gain confidence to tackle bigger crowds. We also have schools that offer public speaking courses.
Who is your target audience
Important to know who you are targeting. Once you know this, it becomes easy to know what you should work on.
Presence online
Social media platforms are an effective marketing tool every motivational speaker should have. When you apply for a gig, chances are very high that whoever is potentially giving you a job will check you online.
So how much are motivational speakers paid in Kenya?
Wale Akinyemi
He is a top rated motivational speaker, business strategist, consultant, newspaper columnist and has authored a number of books. The fee for speakers in Wale’s category is between Ksh100,000 and Ksh150,000 per hour. This amount can go up depending on the client.
Pastor Kev
Pastor Kevin Oboi, popularly known as Pastor Kev, is many things in one-a mechanical engineer by profession, a pastor, an a highly regarded motivational speaker. His charges varies from client to client. You can check him out on his Facebook page: Pastor Kevin Oboi
Sunny Bindra
Another highly rated inspirational speaker who doubles up as a management consultant,educator, columnist and board advisor. His take home is not less than Ksh100,000 per hour.
Pepe Minambo
The public speaker and a columnist with the Nairobian charges corporates between Ksh80,000 and Ksh100,000 per hour for corporate gigs. His other charges are:
SMEs and mid-size companies-between Ksh60,000 and Ksh80,000
Schools-Ksh25,000 and Ksh30,000
Dr. Ayub Nteng’a PhD
A mentor, emotional intelligence authority, writer, life coach and happiness therapist. Dr. Ayub Nteng’a motivational speeches will leave you feeling so good about yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. He has established his name among the best of the best in the professional speaking field. Dr. Ntenga charges range from Ksh60,000 to Ksh80,000 per hour.
Ngugi wa Thiongo
While he does not reside in Kenya, Ngugi spirit lives with us through his thought provoking novels. His pay dwarfs that of his counterparts in Kenya by far. He charges USD20,000 (over Ksh2 million at current rate) for international speaking engagement.
Comedian Daniel Ndambuki popularly known as Churchill revolutionized comedy in Kenya as we knew it. He will go down Kenyan history books as the father of stand up comedy and rightly so. According to a 2018 article appearing on the Standard, the comedian charges between Ksh200,000 and Ksh250,000 for any speaking engagement.
Burale is an author, inspirational speaker, pastor and a Covid-19 survivor. His story is interesting and has inspired many. His charges are not more than Ksh100,000 per hour.
Lupita Nyong’o
She put Kenya on the entertainment world map after she won the best supporting actress Oscar at the 86th Academy Awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave. The actress has stamped her authority in Hollywood with subsequent films. Her charges for speaking engagements run in millions of shillings.
