Dubai, UAE – Kenya is being represented at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai by some notable voices shaping the country’s creator and media landscape.
The event which started today and will be running for 3 days, was officially kicked off by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Related: Kenyans in Dubai
The 1 Billion Followers Summit is the world’s largest content creator event, bringing together creators, media leaders, and digital entrepreneurs from across the world to network, share ideas, and grow the global creator economy.
In this year’s edition, we spotted four Kenyans on the programme, taking to the stage to share insights from their respective fields.
Below is a closer look at the Kenyans representing the country at the summit.
Sharon Machira
Sharon Machira is popularly known for being the co-host of one of Kenya’s leading podcast, It’s Related, I Promise. Her resume, however, goes deeper.
She is also the Founder of Studio Unconventional, a Nairobi-based culture and creator agency that helps brands tap into Africa’s fast-growing creator economy.
She is a former Senior BBC journalist and previously served as PR Lead for Google (East Africa).
Sharon’s Topic:
“The Newsroom Is Dead: Why News Is Now Creator-Driven”
Sharon’s session explores how media consumption has fundamentally changed.
Key ideas surrounding her topic (p.s – This is not what she discussed on stage):
- Audiences now consume content on the go, primarily through their phones
- Traditional TV and legacy media no longer command the same attention as before
- Legacy media companies and brands are increasingly losing trust, traffic, and relevance
- Independent journalists and creators are seen as more authentic, less bureaucratic, and more relatable
Maurice Otieno
The second Kenyan we spotted on the program is Maurice Otieno.
He is the Executive Director at Baraza Media Lab, a place where Africa’s media and creative mind can come together to create, connect and inspire. They provide spaces for events, for freelance work, and much more.
Maurice’s Topic:
“The Rise of the Niche and Local Media Empire”
For such as topic, we can use the red ocean vs blue ocean analogy:
- Blue ocean represents mass audiences and overcrowded spaces
- Red ocean represents niche, local, and underserved communities
Key takeaways that can be derived from this topic:
- Trying to appeal to everyone often leads to weak engagement
- Niche audiences may be smaller, but they are more loyal and deeply engaged
- Local and niche media creates stronger community trust and long-term sustainability
George Gachara
George Gachara is the Founder of HEVA Fund LLP, a fund focused on the sustainability of the cultural and creative industries in the region by providing innovative financing solutions for creative enterprises.
Over the past decade, he has established and managed catalytic financing initiatives including:
- Pioneer Creative Industries Fund
- Ignite Fund
- Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Program (East Africa)
- DOCA Film Africa Fund
George’s Topic:
“Deal Structures, Valuation Benchmarks, and the Global Distribution of Capital in the Creator Economy”
Key takeaways that can be derived from this topic:
- Understand how your work is valued by investors and platforms
- Learn how deal structures work in brand partnerships and funding
- Avoid undervaluing your content, audience, or intellectual property
- Position yourself for long-term, sustainable growth, not just short-term brand deals
For creators looking to turn content into a serious business, this conversation is crucial.
Carol Moraa
Carol Moraa has been an educator in Kenya for over 20 years, leading and facilitating new educational models across both Kenyan and international school systems.
She currently serves as the Kenya Program Director for Legacy+, where she leads initiatives in:
- High school and college education
- Healthcare
- Women empowerment
Carol’s contribution reinforces an important message for creators:
Having a large following is powerful, but what truly matters is how that influence is used.
Her perspective bridges education, impact, and digital influence, showing that creators can drive meaningful change beyond numbers.
The Bigger Message for Creators
As highlighted throughout the topics, success in the creator economy today is not just about follower count.
The key lessons are clear:
- Find your niche
- Build a loyal and engaged community
- Understand the business and value behind your content
- Use your platform with intention and purpose
