Dentsu Kenya celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from the School of Influence in a vibrant ceremony that marked a significant milestone for Kenya’s emerging content creators. The program, designed to equip aspiring influencers with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive digital space, attracted over 1,000 applicants, from which 100 were selected to participate in the intensive training.
The School of Influence aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between established influencers and up-and-coming talents, providing participants with practical insights into content creation, branding, and collaboration with top-tier brands. Graduates had the opportunity to work with leading brands such as HMD, EABL, DTB, L’Oréal, NCBA, and Sol Generation, gaining invaluable industry experience.
Dentsu Kenya CEO Joel Rao emphasized that the initiative was conceived to empower young creators, equipping them with the tools needed to compete on a global stage. “Our goal was to give these creators the skills to stand shoulder to shoulder with big influencers, and perhaps even outshine them,” he stated.
Among the standout graduates was Wangari Kairu, who earned two “golden tickets” for future collaborations with HMD and L’Oréal. Known for her passion for global trends and gaming, Wangari shared her excitement, highlighting a viral FIFA video that garnered over 2 million views and challenged gender norms in the gaming world.
Abel Kiptoo, who received three golden tickets from DTB, EABL, and Sol Generation, praised the program for its practical approach to contract management and branding. Maria Kilonzo, a beauty and wellness influencer, also earned a golden ticket and encouraged her peers to combat impostor syndrome and stay confident in their unique voices.
With Kenya’s program proving successful, Dentsu’s School of Influence is expanding internationally to countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Spain. As the second cohort prepares to start in September, the initiative continues to shape the next generation of global influencers.
