Close to 80 bloggers converged at Nailab on Thursday 23rd June from 5pm for the much-anticipated BLAZE Kenya meetup. The agenda was to demystify what BLAZE was all about since it had remained a mystery for most since its inception.
.@BlazeKenya is a sub-brand of @SafaricomLtd to support the young people who don't yet have the financial muscle. #BLAZEKenya
— Juliet Hephzibah (@juliejacqui1) June 23, 2016
The host for the evening was Samuel Mbugua who moderated a panel consisting of:
- Andrew Riungu – Manager Consumer Insights and Research, Safaricom
- Marion Wanyoike – Senior Manager, Youth Segments, Safaricom
- Muthoni Maingi – Digital Manager, Consumer and Enterprise Business Unit, Safaricom
- Magunga Williams – Writer, Blogger and Online Bookstore Owner
The team spoke about the BLAZE platform which they confirmed is an empowerment platform for youth between the ages of 10 -26 and not just a tariff as most had wrongly assumed. It is based on three pillars; friendship, success and freedom and this network can be accessed by dialing *555# on the Safaricom line.
Despite the difficult situation in this country, we have optimistic kids – @NonieMG #BlazeKenya
— Stephen Musyoka (@smusyoka) June 23, 2016
The BLAZE platform showcases the inspiring stories of those who went against the grain by following their passion with the hope of encouraging others not to shy away from doing the same, Muthoni Maingi said. She made it clear that BLAZE was not intended to be, as she put it, a ‘woiye pity-fest’ where youth solicit for handouts but that it is meant, on the contrary, to empower and enable them to go out there and pursue their dreams and ambitions.
#BLAZEKenya is uniquely Kenyan. and will always strive to remain relevant. We don't expect to fizzle out" – @AndrewRiungu
— BAKE (@BakeKenya) June 23, 2016
Marion Wanyoike clarified that the platform was not created for those interested in unconventional careers only, but also for the general youth who at this stage of their lives, need a lot of mentorship to get into conventional careers like Technology, Law, Medicine, and the likes.
Being in the age group that is targeted by the BLAZE product, 25year old Magunga took the opportunity to share his career journey where he graduated from campus where he had studied law, and decided to later follow his passion as a writer. That journey then led him to start an online bookstore that has been growing in leaps and bounds.
Andrew Riungu reassured those interested in joining BLAZE that the product was created after careful consideration and research and being a Kenyan product created for the Kenyan youth market, chances of it fizzling out are close to nil.
Parting shot – Even if you're over the age limit, join the #BLAZEKenya movement. Be a champion for youth empowerment in your capacity.
— BAKE Business (@BakeBiz) June 23, 2016
The audience had a chance to ask questions and seek clarifications on any areas, which the panel was more than willing to answer. Below are some of the tweets that were sent out using the hashtag #BLAZEKenya