Age

The beautiful Dr. Mwangangi was born in 1986 in Machakos. She turned 35 years old this year (2021).

Education

She was student at Pangani Girls High School before proceeding to the University of Nairobi. She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the age of 23. In 2015, she graduated with a Master of Health Economics and Policy from the University of Adelide, Australia. In an interview with the Daily Nation, the youthful CAS said she pursued medicine out of rebellion.

“My mother is a lawyer and I thought I am not going to be a lawyer. So what is the opposite of a lawyer? I said doctor,” she told DN.

Also Read: Pangani Girls Principal, Alumni, BOG And Performance

Family

She is the firstborn in a family of three siblings. Her mother is the Machakos Assembly Speaker Florence Mwangangi while her father is a renowned businessmen who owns Hotel Connections in Mlolongo, Machakos county.

Marriage

Dr. Mercy Mwangangi is not yet married. Addressing a rally in Migori county in the company of ODM leader Raila Odinga, the CAS told the locals that she had been assured of getting a husband from the region.

“Baba (Raila Odinga) has assured me that I can get a husband from this region. Please help me get a husband,” she said amid cheers from the locals.

In a separate interview, Dr. Mwangangi stated that she was in stable relationship terming her boyfriend as “very supportive”.

Career

After completing MBA, she was appointed Head of Health Financing and Health Economics at the Ministry of Health after working for 18 months without pay at the Health Ministry. Later, she was promoted to Chief Administrative Secretary for the Ministry of Health.

Mercy also works as a joint secretary in the task force on Universal Health coverage, one of the pillars of Jubilee’s​ big four agenda.

The CAS is also a member of the African Women in Leadership Program (AWLP). This is a
program that enables women to conduct discussions on issues affecting women and to share valuable insights to help in the advancement of African Women.

Also Read: Ababu Namwamba: From Raila’s Golden Boy to Living Like a King

Role in the fight against Covid-19​

The intelligent lady is at the forefront in fighting the pandemic alongside Health CS, Mutahi
Kagwe. She was thrust into the limelight on Wednesday, 25 th March when she appeared on TV giving updates on the covid-19 cases in Kenya. There were 7 new cases raising the number to 179, 5 were found through surveillance and 2 had been quarantined. 5 of the cases were in Nairobi, one in Mombasa and one in Uasin Gishu. T

he press conference concluded with her saying 5,278 samples had been tested by that time.

During the briefing, she endeared many by her intelligence that showcased as she fluently and eloquently answered questions from journalists. It was as if she was born to it.
Since then, she has appeared severally on TV. In one instance, demonstrating the proper way to put on a mask. This was beneficial to many Kenyans who were inappropriately wearing the mask. Dr. Mwangangi would make a very good CS if given a chance, judging from her previous public appearances.

Award

The Australian Leadership Award – as a result of demonstrating leadership skills and the
potential to influence development in her home country.

Net Worth

The exact salary Mercy earns is not public knowledge but her main source of income is from her job at the Ministry.

Updated: May 31, 2021

Stivo Simple Boy is a Kenyan rapper and songwriter. The name Simple Boy is derived from his simple style of music. He has been subjected to cyber bullying by social media users but that has not deterred him from chasing his dream. International comedian Lil Duval posted on his Instagram that if the alien emoji was a man, then it would look like Stivo.

Despite the mockery, the singer is jovial and optimistic about life, never letting it depress him. He even crafted the famous saying ‘Inauma lakini itabidi uzoe (it hurts but you have to get used to it).

Real Name and Age

Stephen Otieno was born in 1990 in Nyanza. He is the second last born in a family of 8 having been born earlier than his twin sister.

Education

Stephen studied in Nyanza from Nursery school to class seven. His family then relocated to
Kibera, Nairobi, where he finished his class eight. Lack of school fees prevented him from
pursuing further education.

Music Career

He was famous long before his song ‘mihadarati’ became a hit. In an interview with Word is on Friday, the jovial singer recalls life before fame:

“ Before this song came out, I had worked for ten years while releasing songs and rehearsing. I have been working as a “mjengo” guy and am still doing it to get my daily bread. I have learnt that nothing comes easier, you have to work so hard to get where you want to be.”

Attending rehearsals organized by Kibera Creative Arts (KiCA), has nourished his music talent. In 2015, he recorded his first song ‘Ukimwi’ to create awareness about HIV/AIDS. Other songs include:

• Mihadarati. Recorded in 2017 but became a hit in 2019. The song warns youths against
  the dangers of abusing drugs
• Ndoa. Advising people to respect he institution of marriage.
• Ufisadi. The message is let’s stop corruption
• I lift him higher ft Scheneider Shanny. The song, shot in Kibera neighbourhood, is about
  thanking God for everything.
• Inauma ft Byzoo the Baddest. Explaining challenges in life that we have to get used to.

Marriage

In an interview on Churchill Show journey, the artist revealed that he is in a relationship with a lady known as Fridah. Simple Boy met Fridah on the road and seized the opportunity to talk to her. The two exchanged numbers on that first encounter. 

The artist told the lady that he had fallen for her: “’nimekuzimia na tena nimekudata’ (am heads over heels in love with you). 

He met his girlfriend’s brother and told him about his intention and he told him it’s okay as long as “nisikuwe umbwa mwitu, leo niko na huyu kesho niko na ule”. 

Simple Boy said the wedding is in the works once the Coronavirus is contained.

Inspiration and aspiration

Growing up in Kibera is an inspiration on its own. Profesa J from Tanzania and Khaligraph
Jones from Kenya are people he holds in high esteem. The 30-year-old hopes to have a successful music career in Kenya and beyond. The biggest dream he has is to help the less privileged in the community once he makes it.

His message to people Put God first, have respect and be unique.

Lulu Khadija Hassan is a celebrated Swahili news anchor and film producer. She hosts citizen TV’s “Nipashe Wikendi” alongside Rashid Abdalla. The weekend bulletin hosts Bi. Msafari every Saturday as she gives marriage advice. The news anchor is an inspiration and role model to many young ladies that want to be like her. Despite being famous and Rich, she is still very humble. She once said,

“I don’t see being a news anchor as a big deal. Fame does not get into my head. Anybody at home can send me to the shop, and I would go without feeling I am too much of a celebrity for that.”

Lulu Hassan is an accomplished, fluent and eloquent journalist and below are facts about her life:

Age

She celebrates her birthday on the 24th of April with her year of birth being under wraps.

Education

Lulu attended high school at Agha Khan Academy, Mombasa. Then proceeded to Salrene Travel Operations College to train as a cabin crew, hostess, human resource manager and ticket officer.

After landing a Radio job she went back to school to pursue communications and journalism.

Family

Many think Lulu is of Somali descent but this is not the case. Her late mother was born of a Kenyan Kikuyu and Seychellois while her dad also has Seychellois roots. She is also the first born in a family of 3 girls.

Mariam Abu, her mother died in 2007 leaving her siblings and real estate business in her care. She ran the business while taking care of her sisters. To this day, it is a source of grief that her mum died without seeing her read news on national television. On one occasion while on air, she thought of her mother and felt so sad;

“ It was my first day as an anchor, and I got flustered on air when I thought about my mother.i felt so sad. There I was as an anchor but mum wasn’t alive to see me – all along, she had wished to see me reading the news on national television,” Lulu says.

Husband

The beautiful anchor is married to Rashid Abdalla and they have 3 wonderful children: a young girl and two boys – Jibran and Irfan. Rashid and Lulu met back in 2007, the year her mother died, at Radio Salaam. Rashid provided a shoulder for Lulu to lean on every time she felt sad about her mother’s demise. The first thing Rashid loved about his wife was her sweet voice even before seeing her face. After seeing her face, the deal was sealed, the voice came with an angelic face.

Two weeks after meeting, the couple got engaged. Rashid had no money for dowry. At the time his salary was Kes5,000. He only submitted a Quran and prayer mat for dowry and the parents accepted.

Wedding

The couple got married in a ritzy affair in Mombasa. It was like the whole village or town
showed up for the village. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances and even strangers came to share this happy occasion. Since her mother was dead and could not give her away as customary demands, her friends stepped in for the task.

Despite living together for years, the couple consummated their union in 2013 after their
marriage. Rashid revealed he even has the white sheet to prove it.

Rashid shared this photo on Facebook in 2014 with these sweet words:

“She will always be the love of my life. She is the reason am whom i am today. Her self-esteem has made me realize the meaning of true love. She is my best friend. Love you so much and as a human being maybe if by any chance i wronged you in anyway since the very first time i saw you then am sorry my love. May God bless.”

Career

The Swahili journalist began her journalism career at Radio Salaam, Mombasa. Interestingly enough, she read English and not Swahili news back then and her English is as fluent as her Swahili. While still working at the radio station, a KTN camera man told her of a crisis they were having at the station. Two of their Swahili news anchors were on maternity leave and they hadn’t found a replacement. Lulu jumped on the chance, went for the interview, passed the screen test and joined KTN.

Later, she left to join Royal Media services on Citizen TV. She hosted Nipashe alongside Kanze Dena for a long time. The two developed a long-lasting friendship on and off TV. Later, Kanze left the station after being appointed spokesperson at the office of the President.

Following Kanze Dena’s move, citizen TV poached Rashid Abdalla from Nation Media Group.
The former NTV anchor was appointed ‘Nipashe Wikendi host alongside his wife, Lulu. They made history as the first couple in Kenya to present news together. Their chemistry in the newsroom is a hit among many fans of Citizen TV.

The challenge they face is being under scrutiny every single day. People want to see if they are happy today or probably had a fight and can’t stand each other. The other challenge that Lulu hopes they never have to encounter is of one of their children being sick at the time. Who will stay home and who’ll go to work?

Accident

In 2010, while still working at KTN, the media personality was involved in a grisly road accident. The accident affected her left leg for a very long time and she was very lucky to survive. A plate had to be installed on her leg to help with mobility. Below is her own
recollection of the accident and recovery journey on Instagram;

“ April 19 th 2010, I remember this day like it was yesterday…. I was going for an assignment in Kisumu, but on reaching Kapkatet, it all happened so fast…I found myself at the Siloam Hospital in Kericho. First aid was being administered. Next thing I knew, I was in the ambulance on my way to Nairobi for an emergency theatre at the Agakhan Hospital.
The next few months would be tough. If you had asked me then if I thought I would be able to walk or be on my feet again, I wouldn’t have imagined that was possible. But, Alhamdulillah!!!

It’s been seven years walking with a plate on my left femur…. On the 30th October 2017 I finally gathered the courage to walk into theatre for a surgery to remove it… I had been relying on this for the last 7 years since 2010….. 7 years that saw my walking style and body posture change ultimately thus affecting my back and work not forgetting the excruciating pain I would have to endure whenever I wanted to lie down………..” this is what part of the Instagram post read.

She went on to thank those who have supported her and expressed the wish to give the plate as donation to an elder.

Film

The hard-working TV girl owns a production company alongside her husband called Philly films and has produced a number of their own films so far
1) “Aziza”which aired on Citizen at 7:30 p.m.
2) “Huba” which aired on Maisha Magic. The film won gold for Best General Entertainment
Promo Award at the Promax Award, South Africa. Lulu took to Instagram to express her
joy;
“Jiffy Pictures and Big_One entertainment is happy to announce that Huba just won gold for

Best General Entertainment at the Promax Awards in South Africa.”

3) “Maria” the film which airs on Citizen at 7:30 during weekdays is a current must watch
among many Kenyans.

Other films by Philly productions include:

 Mchikicho wa Pwani
 Mazda
 Moyo

Net Worth

The news anchor’s estimated salary is 300, 000 Kenyan shillings minus allowances which may amount to 100,000 or more. Not forgetting the money from Philly productions. Her estimated wealth together with her husband is estimated at over kes10 million.

Live-streamed and webcast events have become the norm in recent years, especially in our technology-driven society. Research has it that the live streaming industry has grown exponentially over the last three years. With this trend being on the rise, there is no better time to use the services of a live streams and webcast companies.

Whether large or startups, all types of businesses are incorporating live streaming as part of their marketing strategy, it has become possible for businesses to live stream concerts, conferences, events and much more. If you are looking for the best and most reliable live streaming company in Kenya, look no further than Flip Vision.

This guide helps you to know what to expect in the live streaming industry so that you can effectively pursue your intended objective.

What is live streaming and webcasting?

In this section, we will shed light on everything about live streaming and webcasting.

Live streaming can be defined as transmitting a live video or audio over the internet. Conversely, webcasting involves the action of broadcasting an event over the internet. Webcasting and live streaming are related, and they are the same thing. Live streaming and webcasting are the most effective tools for giving your business a wider reach.

Live streaming uses different types of media content such as pictures, PowerPoints, videos, etc. It allows the users to watch the event live. It provides an effective way for brands to connect with their target audience in real-time. It can include teaching the user of a new product, broadcasting a live performance, hosting a webinar, TV broadcast, hosting an interview, hosting a Q&A, doing a review, or anything else that might help you connect with your audience.

Why do you need to live streaming for your business?

Live streaming provides an ideal channel to explain a product or service to your consumers. The reason is that online video consumption is very high and continues to grow annually. According to Primo, by 2024, online videos will constitute 90% of all consumer internet traffic. Most consumers prefer to learn about a product or service through video. Below are key reasons why you should consider live streaming for your business.

Visuals are impactful. When communicating to your audience, you need to capture their attention right off the bat, and there is no better way than using visuals. Live videos are an effective means of communication, and they are better than emails or audio conference calls. Visuals instantly connect with the audience, and they have them engaged. Humans have shorter concentration spans, and they only remember 10% of what they have heard. On the other hand, videos relay the message to the audience more easily and efficiently. When combined with relevant visuals the retention increases.

Reach new audiences. People from all over the world have embraced live broadcasting, and they spend the better part of their day watching live videos daily. Live broadcasting provides an effective way to reach new audiences as it attracts a modern audience. By building a live broadcasting viewer base, you will increase your revenue generation exponentially. These live videos help to connect your brand more with the audience. Live streaming is the only medium that offers this type of interaction.

Creates trust among the audience. Live broadcast allows you to create a personal relationship with your target audience since you communicate with your audience in an authentic and raw way. This type of connection makes the audience feel they are part of your enterprise, which makes your brand more genuine. It allows your brand to improve its trustworthiness and reliability, which drives global exposure.

It is easy and cheaper. Online consumers expect video content to be perfect. However, they are a little bit reluctant regarding live streaming videos. They know that live broadcasts are conducted by the owners of the brands who are genuine to themselves who are not paid, actors. Thus, when live streaming, you don’t need expensive equipment such as cameras, and you can do it using your phone, and there is no need for post-production. Live streaming provides an easy and cheaper means of engaging with your target audience when compared with VOD content.

Audience insights. Live streaming allows you to test concepts and ideas with your audience and get real-time feedback. The audience gives you an instant feel of whatever you are live streaming. Customer satisfaction is key for any business, and when they give your instant insights, you can work your way through and improve the product or service. These real-time interactions also help you understand your audience, creating more of a connection with them.

Live stream creates authentic engagement. Live broadcasting boasts certain features such as comments, sharing, liking and other engagement activities. These are very high for live streaming videos, and they are miles ahead of recorded videos. You get to connect with your audience authentically through live broadcasting, which improves the interaction. Also, live streaming videos have a higher viewership when compared to Video on Demand Content.

Increases brand love and brand loyalty from customers. Employees are part of your business, and when they participate in live streaming events, they feel more connected to the company. Also, the customers get to see the face behind the products, making them view your brand as a group of people who are easy to interact with. It results in stronger relationships which improve brand loyalty.

The most commonly used platforms available for live streaming companies in Kenya?

The key purpose of live streaming platforms is hosting live broadcasts. Here are the most used live streaming platforms in Kenya.

• Facebook Live
• Instagram Live
• LinkedIn Live
• Periscope
• YouTube Live
• Vimeo
• Twitch
• TikTok

Equipment used for live streaming

Live streaming an event is free, and helping you get started are the following basic pieces of equipment

• A camera
• A microphone
• Lighting

How to live stream an event in Kenya

To ensure your live stream event is successful, here are additional tips that you need to consider:

Defining your goals

What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Increase sales? Share your story? Build a following?

Increase brand awareness, product or service? Before going live, you need to define what is you what to achieve with your live stream.

Defining your target audience

Know who you are trying to reach and the type of message you will rely on them. Your audience determines the platform, days and communication methods your will use. Knowing your audience allows you to plan the message you will use.

Choose a platform

It is crucial to decide on a specific platform with numerous platforms to choose from. Each platform has its audience and goals. To achieve a greater reach, you can combine the platforms such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Select an equipment

What will equipment will you use? It can be your PC’s webcam, your phone’s camera, sound and lighting. It would help if you determined the equipment beforehand. It can be awful for your brand to be inconvenienced by equipment failure.

Do dry run

Rehearsing is important. It will help you deal with unforeseen technical issues during the live broadcast. Rehearsing allows you to know the status of your technical issues. You will know what to expect and navigate through the anticipated issues and find the perfect solution.

Brief all guests in advance

If you plan on having guests for your live stream event, it is essential to prep them before the event begins. It helps mitigate any awkward or silent moments during the live stream. It also ensures that everything will flow seamlessly.

Check your audio, internet connection, and power

To avoid any inconveniences such as bad audio or internet, you should first check every element of your video production. To avoid throwing a spanner in the works, charge all the devices and ensure that the internet bandwidth, power and audio are great.

Monitoring during the live stream

You cannot handle everything by yourself, and you need a monitoring assistant who will curate the audiences’ comments, sentiments, questions.

Post streaming

To help you connect with your audience, it is wise to follow up and appreciate them for their time. It gives you an excellent opportunity to update them on their next live stream.

Hiring Professional Livestream and Webcast Services

Do you have an event and want to reach a greater audience through live streaming services? Look no further than Flip Vision, who are professionals who will help you with your live streaming services.

They will help broadcast your company’s vision. Connect with us via hello@acecreative.co.ke for any enquiries you might have. Take your live streaming to the next level and help grow your business. Flip Vision, we will help you with a livestream strategy to meet your needs at affordable rates. Give us a call on +254 722 755 242 for more details.

Branding is the new norm for businesses, and in recent years branding companies have mushroomed in Kenya. These companies can offer great value for your business, and it is crucial to choose the one that will meet your needs. However, it is key to understand that branding goes beyond an attractive logo with numerous branding companies to choose from.

The benefits of branding are numerous, and to get the most out of your branding strategy, you need to use the services of experts. Ace Creative is a branding agency that are professionals in their craft, with years of experience in the industry, and they help businesses achieve a great brand strategy.

This article guide sheds light on the best branding company in Nairobi, Kenya and everything you need to know about branding.

What is branding?

To define branding, you first need to understand what is a brand. A brand can be defined as how a business, organization, or individual is viewed by those who experience it. It is more than a name, image, design, logo or symbol. A brand is simply the feeling that a product or business evokes.

Therefore, branding is the process of shaping the perception of a brand in the minds of stakeholders, customers, and even the product.

The importance of branding services for your business

Branding offers so much to businesses, and some of the benefits of using branding strategy for your business include:

Creates trust. Trust in business comes when customers know your business’s products or services. To build trust with your customers, you need to pass their test. Thus, a business professionally presenting itself is enough social proof that its services and products are high-quality. It makes prospects trust the business more and make them feel more comfortable giving their hard-earned money.

Improves recognition. Humans are emotional, and they are attracted to what they see. Your logo should speak more about your business, even though it should not end-all of your branding efforts. It requires time and effort to create a memorable logo. The logo should be attractive, give the desired impression for your business, and deliver the perfect message. It should be the think and feel you want your customers to feel.

Improves employee pride and satisfaction. Employees are the driving force behind any business. While anyone can hire employees, only a strong brand can motivate and inspire its employees. It helps them carry a vision and mission forward. When your brand carries pride, it will motivate employees to do well. A strong brand improves employee morale and productivity.

Generates new revenue. Referrals are the best way to get loyal customers. It explains why your logo, marketing and reputation need to cohesively form and form an unforgettable impression on consumers’ mind. To use your branding strategy to generate new revenue, you should always have your customer in mind, use emotion or create messaging that illustrates value.

Supports your marketing effort. Marketing is an essential component of any branding strategy. To help build your brand are different mediums and channels for marketing. When marketing, you should not focus on a narrow marketing plan, hindering your expansion into new markets. On the other hand, a broad marketing focus could make it impossible for you to build an impression in your consumers’ minds.

Generates new customers. An effective branding strategy will drum referrals for your business. The customers’ positive impression makes them spread word of mouth to their families and friends. Word of mouth will pass the perception and reinforce that brand. A positive reputation brings new customers to your business, making them purchase from your brand and not your competition.

Increases the value of your business. A strong brand gives your business more leverage in the industry. It makes your business more appealing to investors because of its established place in the marketplace. Branding incorporates reputation and value, resulting in influence, mindshare, and price premium.

How to identify great branding companies in Kenya

It is essential to invest in high-quality branding. Here are tips to help you identify the best branding companies in Kenya.

Process. Each branding agency outlines the general process of what their branding will look like. Before finalizing the deal, you should make sure to understand how they work. This may range from their research process, deadlines, the tools they use for efficiency and an understanding of their timeline. Also, how they communicate will determine the flow of the project.

Evaluate their area of expertise. It is crucial to understand the area of expertise that the branding agency provides. Understanding the business area where the potential branding partner excels will help you get the best services. Branding firms offer diverse services, and it is key to find the one that will suit your needs. Ensure they are well experienced in building brand strategy and bring it to life.

Experience. Examining the agencies’ portfolios and reviewing their satisfied customers and team members will give you a rough idea of the company. This base understanding will give you an actual design of what your potential partners can create, their marketing places and the results they can achieve.

Chemistry. When you work with a branding agency, it becomes a part of your team. Thus, it should be a good cultural fit. To have a smooth branding process, you should consider using an agency with a similar value proposition to your organization. Opt for agencies that are proactive, innovative and collaborative. Branding your business requires a lot of collaboration between you and your agency. To have a good experience, your team should have good chemistry with the branding agency.

Portfolio and referrals. It is essential to check their previous work. This gives a clear idea of what to expect from the branding agency and its level of expertise. When going through their portfolio, look for innovation, diversity and creativity. Check their success stories to tell you how the business reached its goals. While every branding agency will tell you they will get the job done, they must back it up with results.

Understand the ROI. Lastly, it might be difficult to look past a hefty fee that you can pay at once or partially. You should be careful and take your time while researching to evaluate the potential your business might hold in the future. Ask questions, conduct your research, know the pricing levels and make sure you understand the competence and their work history.

How to build a brand in Kenya that people love

Here are practical tips that you can use to build a compelling brand for your business.

• Do your market research
• Work on a unique value proposition
• Use a brand name that will deliver your message
• Communicate effectively
• Build an emotional connection

When you put the above tips into practice, you are sure your branding strategy will be successful.

Branding prices in Kenya

The prices of most branding companies in Kenya differ depending on the size of the company, the product that is being rebranded, and the size of the branding agency. The services provided by branding companies differ as some companies provide communication strategies and they set the tone while others expect the client to do all the heavy lifting.

Also, the brand strategy of a five-person startup and a thousand employees cannot cost the same. When calculating the cost, use cases, many mediums, and overall legacy of the brand should be considered. There is no fixed price for branding in Kenya and the price ranges.

What are your branding goals?

Businesses differ, and so does their branding goals. When explaining your branding needs to an agency, you need to carefully and clearly define them to be well understood.

The end goal of any business that uses a branding company is to have an effective branding strategy that will increase its value.

Elements of branding

In Kenya, the scope of branding agencies differ. However, there are key deliverables of what you can expect from a branding project. They include:

• Visual identity/logo
• Signages
• Company merchandise
• Company name development
• Brand story/positioning/messaging
• Marketing website
• Social media branding
• Product visual design

Hiring Professional Branding Services

It can be daunting building and maintaining a brand in Kenya. Branding is more than an image, logo or symbol that includes every aspect of how your business is represented. Branding involves everything about a business, thus to make the most out of your business, you should work with the best branding company in Kenya. Look no further than Ace Creative, who are professionals who will help you create an effective branding strategy for your business.

They will help reflect your company’s vision. Connect with them via wecare@acecreative.co.ke for any enquiries you might have. Take your branding strategy to the next level and help grow your business. Ace Creative, They will help you with a branding strategy to meet your needs at affordable rates. Give us a call on +254 722 856 286 or +254 733 836 639 for more details.

As such, you need to implore the services of professionals such as Ace Creative, one of the best graphic design companies in Nairobi. If you are a business owner and looking to boost your digital presence, graphic design should be your digital strategy. Graphic design allow customers and stakeholders to view your services or products, and thus it is key to get it right off the bat.

This article guide will explain everything you need to know about graphic design companies.

What is the purpose of graphic design?

In a nutshell, the main purpose of graphic design is to communicate. It uses images, colours, logos, and typography, whose main aim is visual communication.

It is an art that blends creativity, motion graphics, illustrations, and photography to create eye-catching designs. These capture the viewers’ attention, who convert their attention into sales, fostering other business avenues.

Here are some of the key purposes of graphic design:

• The basis of branding strategy: The main purpose of graphic design is to lay a foundation for branding strategy. It focuses on creating logos that the target audience can incorporate with the company’s brand image. To help plan and execute the branding strategy are logos that consumers can identify and associate with the brand’s goal. Business cards, banners, posters, designing websites, social media pages, and mobile apps are part of the branding strategy.
• Beautifying: Beauty drives humans, and the best graphic design promotes a material and makes it look attractive. The content and functions are key, though humans are attracted to beauty and believe what looks good is good.
• Enhancing user experience: Graphic design has a wide range of uses, including print materials and in various types of interfaces. Using graphic designing, large blocks of texts can be converted into interesting images or graphics. These pass the message in a friendly way, and it improves the user experience because the graphics are pleasing and more interesting.
• Enhancing navigation: To increase navigation and boost usability are customized graphic elements. Graphics help the user navigate the app or website, driving conversions and retaining the viewers. The visual elements give the users aesthetic pleasure.

Why do you need graphic design services for your business?

Below are some of the benefits of graphic design for businesses.

• Positive first impression

First impressions count! When it comes to your business, the design of your logo is what is viewed by customers. If your business logo is difficult or uninteresting, no customers will be interested in your business or brand.

Conversely, if the logo is exciting and unique, people will be attracted and have a higher chance of remembering it. An excellent graphic designer creates a logo that represents the values of your business attractively and uniquely.

• Professional image

To help create consistency and uniformity is logos, graphics, and images in your marketing materials, social media pages, and website. A graphic designer provides a well-planned and executed graphic that offers visual consistency.

This helps in building the identity of your business and improving its brand. Consistency and uniformity give your business a professional image, and it connects your business to the target audience.

• Brand recognition

Graphic design helps businesses create a visual identity that reflects their values and goals. The company’s logo is used in every aspect of the business and helps build a strong brand identity.

A graphic design offers an instant connection between the values of your company and the products or services provided.

• Communication

Graphics are an effective method of communication as visual aids communicate ideas better. Compared to words, well-designed and informative images communicate ideas and information effectively.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth more than a thousand words, and a professionally designed image will help create a positive impression. This is an effective communication means for your message.

• Building trust and goodwill

When your business has a professional image, it builds trust and credibility with the consumers. Trust convinces buyers about the quality of services and goods offered. Goodwill enables businesses to thrive in the long run, and a good graphic design helps enhance trust and credibility.

• Higher conversions

Graphic designs for businesses help with gaining visibility which results in higher conversions. Combining effective communication, enhanced credibility, brand recognition, and all the above benefits improves sales and revenues.

An effective graphic design not only attracts consumers to your website or store but it increases the chances of your conversions.

Things to consider when choosing a graphic design company

It is essential to invest in high-quality graphic design. Here are additional tips to help you choose the best graphic design candidate:

Experience. Ensure that the graphic designer is experienced in their industry, uses your product, or is a consumer. This knowledge could eliminate the learning curve required. It can help speed up the creativity of your business and ensure the success of your project. It helps the designer to have an idea of how they can connect with your customers.

Portfolio. Before getting the right graphic design agency, it is important to do your little research. An agency that does not have a credible website or portfolio is one of the biggest red flags and you should avoid that agency at all costs.

Go through their portfolio and ensure you get the right designer to execute your brand’s look and feel. The design and quality of the agency will help you get the right fit for your business.

Accessibility. When hiring a local graphic designer, you should meet face-to-face to discuss your needs. The engagement allows you to learn a lot beyond the project at hand. The relationship you build goes a long way in determining the success of your communication efforts.

The graphic designer should understand you, your product, or your service. This is reflected in your attitude, personality, and style.

Wide range of services. To help meet your design goals is a comprehensive agency with many services. A graphic design that has completed multiple campaigns makes it experienced and intuitive, and their experts will offer more than graphics.

A graphic design company with a wide range of services will provide you with results and add value to your business.

Consider a trial project. To gauge the experience of a graphic design company, you can begin with asking for a trial project. This helps you to gauge their vision, understanding, and professional capabilities. A trial project should be simple and can be completed in a couple of hours.

Knowing if the graphic design company offers limited-contract trial project options is important.

Know their time constraints and process. Lastly, engage in open discussion with your designer and ask about their design process. Not having and knowing an actual design might lead to conflicts and repetitive edits that hinder creativity and are costly.

Understanding the timelines and process helps in planning your strategy. Allow the designer to talk about their time constraints and work with them to support the project.

Communicate your concerns. Creative concepts can be challenging between the client and the company. Unclear communication leads to misinterpretations between the parties. Before partnering with your designer, it is crucial to have a clear communication plan. Ensure the process they have works for you, what it entails, the tools they use, and their modes of communication.

If you don’t understand anything related to design terms and jargon, ask. This helps to clarify any confusion.

What are your design goals?

After picking the right graphic design company, it is important to outline your design goals. Each brand differs in its message and creative medium. In this section, we are going to break down this question.

• Customer experience
• Setting the theme
• Brand Messaging
• Customer communication and engagement

After considering the above pointers and meticulously explaining them to your graphic designer, you are sure you will get the graphic design that you have been looking for.

Hiring Professional Graphic Design Services

It is vital to invest in professional graphic design services even if you have employees who can design your brand. A keen eye for detail and interpreting your needs is all you need to have the best graphic designs for your business.

Ace Creative is a Nairobi-based graphic design company that offers professional design services. Our team consists of professional graphic designers with attractive graphic content with a marketing perspective. Connect with them via wecare@acecreative.co.ke

Not only are our creations visually appealing, but they are aligned with the marketing needs of our clients. While each organization possesses its own distinctive needs, at Ace Creative, we design artworks that meet the requirements at affordable rates. Give them a call on +254 722 856 286 or +254 722 755 242 or Visit for more details.

We believe in the power of live video. Connecting and interacting, from anywhere in the world. Every event, performance or show can benefit from the magic of being together, even though you are miles apart. Our mission is to spread the magic of live video and connect people across Africa.

Numerous studies have shown how live video creates greater engagement and a bigger impact than on-demand video. It’s more unique and compelling. Of course, the content has to be good and there has to be a reason to do it live.

We cover the full range of live video: from concept, production and equipment to analytics. Our in-house focus is on concept, production and analytics. For the technical aspect we cooperate with professional and well-known partners.

Flip Vision is led by Lenny Towett who established it in 2017. Flip Vision has five employees, producers and editors and we have a big network of freelance specialists including directors and technical staff.

How Our Event Livestreaming Works

To truly have the best event, you have to cover all the bases.  And with the rise of social networking and event live streams, an online presence can’t be ignored.  Events shouldn’t feel restricted by space or technology.  And engagement shouldn’t be limited to guests present.  Extend your reach and broadcast your event world-wide.  Our professional live streaming and virtual production service has allowed local events to become global.

Our Work;

With hundreds of projects completed successfully over the last years, we cover the full range: from company updates to big multi-stage festivals and from webinars to TV-grade live talkshows.

INDEPENDENT AGENCY

No fixed packages: we offer tailor-made productions and go to extra lengths to get the most out of live video for you: mixing and matching the right people with the best equipment.

CREATIVE CONTENT

We think along from the start to leverage as much content as possible to reach your objectives. Next to that, we advise in optimizing the setting, script and interactions to keep viewers engaged.

SERVICES

EVENT LIVESTREAM

Reach people all over the world with your event or conference. Boost your ROI and brand awareness by streaming your event. Our experience and close cooperation leads to the best result possible.

LIVE FORMATS

The sky is the limit! Interactive talkshows, breaking a world record or Q&A’s with celebrities. Our focus on innovation means we’re always a step ahead in developing new and exciting live formats for social media.

BRAND ACTIVATION

Brand activation is all about the interaction between brand and consumer. The one thing people tend to forget in their mediamix is live video – and that’s exactly where the most opportunities are to make the difference.

WEBCAST

Broadcasting annual figures, public announcements or a monthly update around the world – we advise about the technical set-up, host and content for an optimal impact.

WEBINAR

We generate maximum impact of your content through live webinars. We advise about content and presentation, and we unburden you completely – both content-wise and with all technical needs.

Soaring Beyond Your Expectations

We know how to win with events.  And we know how to do it consistently.  Immersive online experiences play a key role.  But so does our level of service.  We excel at taking on the full workload and delivering the final product.  We don’t let you get bogged down in the muck.  We help you rise and soar above.

CALL US NOW:

Jeff Mwaura Koinange is a Kenyan journalist, author, TV presenter and radio presenter. He
worked with Kenya Television Network (KTN), Kenya’s first independent television station among other stations as you will read elsewhere in this article. Jeff is the only Kenyan journalist to win an Emmy award. He is one of the most accomplished journalists in Africa.

Age and Family
The veteran journalist was born on 7th January 1966 in Kiambaa Village, Kiambu county.

Parents
The award winning journalist was born to Fredrick Mbiyu Koinange and Hilda Ngoima who was the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Fredrick Mbiyu was the first Kenyan to own a petrol station and car dealership in 1948. His grandfather was an eminent Gikuyu chief with 6 wives. When he was 2 months old, he lost his father to a brain haemorrhage and Hilda (28 at the time) had to raise him and the siblings. The siblings are: Hilda Wanjiru, Phyllis Wangui, and Freddie Koinange. Jeff is the last born. The mother was a great disciplinarian and former headmistress in Kiambaa Village near Banana Hill Kiambu county. Peter Mbiyu, the first Kenyan to get a Masters degree at Columbia University, New York, is Jeff’s uncle. Mbiyu is also Jomo Kenyatta’s brother-in-law in-law. Lilian Wairimu Koinange (Jeff’s aunt) is married to the Anglican Bishop Obadiah Kariuki, the father to Attoney General Paul Kihara.

Marriage

Sonya, a lady from Panama was the presenter’s first wife. She was their flight instructor. They got married in 1988 and divorced in 1994. The news anchor is currently married to Shaila Koinange, a Kenyan of Asian origin. They met back in 1986 when they both attended an interview to be flight attendants for the Pan Am airline at safari park, Nairobi.

Children
Shaila and her husband have a son called Jamal. The bundle of joy came after 9 years of
struggling to conceive. In his book “Through My African Eyes” the TV personality reveals the struggles they underwent to have Jamal. After almost giving up, a friend they met in Lagos encouraged them to try IVF at a certain clinic. This is what Jeff says:

“ We had practically given up until Jimmy Monclus Maleketa, a half Spanish, half Congolese
friend we met in Lagos suggested we try invitro-fertilization (IVF) at a renowned fertility clinic in Barcelona, Spain.”

The couple didn’t want to do it having been down this road before and getting nothing but
disappointment. Nevertheless, to keep their friend off their backs, they did it once again and this time the gods smiled on them. Months later, Jamal was born.

Education
From 1972 to 1974, he attended Hospital Hill in Parklands. Later, he proceeded to St. Mary’s and did his A levels in 1984. He then joined Kingsborough Community College to pursue Broadcast Technology and Management, where he graduated with honors. He gave the valedictorian speech having graduated top of his class. This earned him a scholarship to the prestigious New York University. In 1991, he graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Career
Straight out of high school, he interviewed for and got a job with Pan AM World airlines in
1986. Passengers adored his voice whenever he’d make announcements and this prompted him to pursue journalism.

He worked for KTN as a part time news anchor in 1995 as well as a Reuters correspondent in Nairobi. During his stint at KTN, some loved his American accent and others hated it.
Between 1991 and 2000, he worked for ABC and for NBC in 1994. In 1998, he was appointed Reuters West Africa Bureau chief. He moved to Ivory Coast and later to Johannesburg. He then joined CNN in 2001.

CNN

Joining CNN was the highlight of his career. It was here that he would gain global recognition and also face the biggest scandal of his career. He served as the African correspondent for CNN.

The most notable stories he covered of Africa include:
1. Darfur crisis in Sudan
2. Civil wars in Liberia
3. Most severe famine in Niger, West Africa. The story called “Starving in Plain Sight”
attracted a lot of attention from the world prompting many to come to the aid of the
people. This story won an Emmy Award.
4. The story of the fall of Mobutu and the rise of Laurent Kabila in DRC.
5. Civil war in Sierra Leone

6. The war in Mogadishu, Somalia
7. Senator Obama's visit to Kisumu, Nairobi in 2006
8. Nelson Mandela ending his term and handing over to Thabi Mbeki
9. A doctor in Bukavu, Congo who was helping hundreds of sexually abused women
10. The controversial story of Niger Delta rebels in Nigeria. During the story, he was in the
presence of masked guerillas who had captured some Filipino Nationals. The Nigerian
government claimed the story was staged. Both CNN and Jeff denied the allegations, the
latter saying that ii was a real story not Hollywood.

Outside Africa Stories
 Hurricane Catrina story in New Orleans
 War in Iraq
Shortly after the controversial story, a Swiss national, Marianne Briner, claimed Jeff had an
affair with her. She further stated that the former CNN correspondent admitted to staging the Niger Delta crisis. The Swiss national published the emails in a blog. At the time, Jeff was living in South Africa with his pregnant wife. Within a short time, Jeff’s unceremonious exit from CNN was announced, May, 2007. Many think that Marianne’s story got Jeff fired.

Homeland
The news anchor came back home and in 2008 joined the then launched TV station, K24. He hosted Capital Talk Show.
In 2017, he joined Royal Media services where he hosts the Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) every
Wednesday. He also co-hosts the Breakfast Show with professor Hamo on Hot 96, a Royal Media services radio station. The TV personality also hosts Sunday Live on Citizen TV alongside co-host, Victoria Rubadiri.
In August 2019, he appeared as a judge to East Africa Got Talent (EAGT) which premiered that same month. He judged alongside Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Gaetano Kagwa (Uganda) and Makeda Mahadeo (Rwanda).

Awards
1. Moran of the Burning Spear in 2007 awarded by former president Mwai Kibaki for his
contribution to journalism in Kenya and Africa.
2. Prix Bayeaux for war coverage for a story he did on rape victims in the DRC (2006).
3. George Forster PEABODY Award for coverage of hurricane Catrina, New Orleans, USA.
4. Emmy Award for the Niger Delta famine story

Net Worth
Many believe he is swimming in money. He is one of the highest paid Radio and TV Presenter in Kenya pocketing a six figure salary every month. They say he once revealed to be worth more than 50 million Kenyan Shillings. He also owns a Mercedes Benz G-class that has a factory invoice of over 10 million before tax.

Books
The 54-year-old has written two books:
1. Koinange Wa Mbiyu – Mau Mau’s Misunderstood Leader.
In the book published in 2000, Jeff explains the story of his grandfather who was one of the key leaders behind Mau Mau movement. The colonial master hated him but to his people he was a source of strength. In 1952, he was detained only to be released a weak frail man.

2. Through My African Eyes published by Footprints Press Kenya is his second book. It talks
about his life, school days and career.

Controversies
The talk show host was arrested for contempt of court in 2015. Jeff Koinange and Tony Gachoka ( a businessman) were directed to appear before the magistrate after he was arrested and released on defying court order allegations.
They had disputes with Jimmy Wanjigi, Sani Mbui Wanjigi and Kwacha Group of Companies
Limited. The complainers obtained orders against Jeff Koinange, KTN and the Standard Media Group restraining them from broadcasting or publishing defamatory statements against them or the company. However, Jeff went ahead to discuss what they were barred from during his talk show.

Property Auctioning
Despite living large, the journalist has been drowning in debts. On 6th April 2020, Jeff’s 130 million home was announced to be auctioned off due to failure to settle debts. The advert placed on local dailies urged interested parties to submit their interest where bidding deposit was 5 million in cash or banker’s cheque. The property is to be auctioned off today on 28th April 2020.

COVID-19

The news presenter revealed that he had tested positive for the dreaded COVID-19 but his family members are in good health. He further stated that he had self isolated to avoid spreading the virus to others.

There are many avenues of investments in Kenya from real estate, farming to company shares. Company Shares may end up being the best investment if the company is profitable enough but first what are shares?

Company Shares
A share is a single unit of ownership in a company. You pay money to a company and in
exchange become a shareholder. As a shareholder you can influence a company’s decision and or receive income called dividends. Companies sell shares in order to raise money for various purposes, such as, expansion. Stock is a general term used to refer to a slice of ownership in one or more companies.

Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)
NSE enables Kenyans to buy and sell shares. Only companies under NSE are allowed to sell
shares. To start trading at NSE you’ll need the following:
a) Money. It is very obvious that you need money, after all you’re buying shares. Some
companies sell shares for as low as 3/= but you have to buy up to 100 minimum shares.
The amount you’ll need to buy shares depend on the value of a company. You may need
a minimum of 5,000/= – 6,000/= to buy shares.
b) A central Deposit and Settlement Account (CDS). This works like a bank account but
instead off money it deals in shares. It can be opened at CBK (Central Bank of Kenya),
brokerage firm or other authorized dealers. To open a CDS, one needs the following
documents:

1. KRA pin certificate
2. Two recent passport size photos
3. National Identification Card or an original passport

It is free to open and also maintain a CDS account when you open with CBK. Other stockbrokers may charge 1200/= to open an account and 100/= monthly for maintenance. The account will be activated once you’ve provided all the needed documents.
C) A stockbroker. You can only trade through authorized stockbrokers. These are mainly
brokerage firm, commercial banks and investment banks. They understand the market very well and will offer an investor the type of stock to buy and sell. They also help in updating on the prices of various stock on NSE. Stockbrokers keep a close eye on the market on your behalf.

Some stockbrokers also have online trading where you can trade at the comfort of your home.
Stockbrokers in Kenya include:
 AIB capital Ltd
 UAP old mutual securities
 Kingdom Securities Ltd
 KCB capital
 Suntra Investment Bank LTD
 Standard Investment Bank
 EA – Kestrel Capital Ltd
 Sterling Capital Limited
 Dyer and Blair Investment Bank LTD
 Genghis Capital

 ABC Capital Ltd
Research and choose the right one for you.

Tips to consider before buying shares in any company
 The rate at which the shares move up or down
 Whether you understand the business model.
 Whether the company is profitable. Most profitable companies have no debt but if you
invest in a company with debt it is hard to get any profit. The company’s money will go
towards settling debt and accrued interests. It may take a very long time to get profit or
you may never get any profit.
 The amount of dividends a company pays. Is it enough or little? Has the company been
consistent in paying it? Are the dividends increasing or decreasing annually?
 Are stock prices high or low? Sometimes they drop when the company's growth rate slows down.

Summary
 Understand the trading platform
 Identify what you want to trade
 Choose the best stockbroker
 Open a CDS account
 Select the ideal stock
 Determine the number of shares you want to buy
 Trade

Conclusion

Investing in company shares may end up being the best or worst decision of your life. It is
important to test the waters first before investing a lot of money. Start with a small amount of money and only increase when you see positive results. The market is unpredictable and it is unwise to invest all your money into it because when shares plummet you may end up losing everything. On the other hand wise investments may set you up for a lifetime. You can either get dividends annually or buy shares when they are low and sell when the market value kicks up.

The first step is to determine the type of car you want and then analyze the shipping cost. You may choose to determine the cost by using a Kenyan Duty Calculator
Procedure of using the calculator
I. Direct import box
Check if it is the first time the car is being imported to Kenya. In case it was imported and duty was not paid, ask yourself if you are willing to pay for it. If not check the next car option.
II. Country of origin
From which country does the vehicle originate?
III. Type of Vehicle
Select the type of vehicke or model
IV. Year and month of manufacture
To help the calculator determine the depreciating value of the vehicle
V. Body type of the vehicle
This helps the system to determine tax charged on the vehicle.
VI. Specification of the vehicle
Select provided details that suit your car.
VII. Vehicle cc
The type of engine is usually displayed but if not click on the link to check the actual cc.
VIII. Freight details
Insert freight details and packaging. Also put in the weight in kilograms and shopping volume of the vehicle in cubicle meter. This helps the system calculate the port and handling charges.
IX. Storage free days

There are days the port allows for free storage. After the days have passed, then you start
paying.
X. Arrival date
After placing orders and making payments, the arrival date will get displayed on the screen.
XI. Calculate button
Click the button and every payable charge will be displayed.
If you wish to refresh, press start afresh.
Taxes
1. Import duty is 25%
2. Excise duty – it varies with the category of vehicle:
 Private passenger vehicle of petrol engine whose engine capacity exceeds 2500cc (30%).
 Private passenger vehicles of Diesel engine whose engine capacity exceeds 3000c (20%)
 All other vehicle categories (20%)
3. Valued tax (16%)
4. Import declaration fee (2%)
5. Railway Development Levy (1.5%)
Required Documents
 Original commercial invoice
 Original logbook from the country of importation that has been cancelled from the
country of origin. This will be required by National Transport and Safety Authority to
give you an original Kenyan logbook.
 Original bill of lading

 Pre-shipment inspection certificate (certificate of roadworthiness)
 Copy of your Pin certificate
Step by step process
Choose the country you want
Identify the right seller
Choose the car and start negotiations
Get a certificate of road worthiness
Await the arrival date
Visit your clearing and forwarding agent
Provide necessary documents and payments
Get your car
Cons of car importation
There are people preying on innocent unsuspecting car buyers by operating fraudulent pages.
They set up fake websites, do all the right things then once you wire them the money they
vanish.
The process of importation is long and tedious.
The buyer doesn’t get to physically see the car. One doesn’t even get to have a test drive
making it hard to determine if what you’re getting is as good as it is being described.
Car Importation Companies
In case, this long tedious process is not to your liking, you can opt to use a company. Some of the importation companies are:
1. East Africa motors Ltd

2. Delights motor Ltd
3. Freight forwarding service
4. Toyota Auto Mart Ltd
5. Jap Importers Ltd
6. SBT Kenya
7. Be Forward Kenya
8. Toyooet Auto Mobiles K Ltd
9. Auto Kenya
10. Kensville Motors Ltd
11. Eramace car importers and forwarding