Pure Digital Passion with Moses Kemibaro

Moses Kemibaro

This is pure digital passion, the podcast of Moses Kemibaro, one of Kenya's and Africa's leading digital marketers, techbloggers, and technology analysts. Join me for insightful interviews and commentaries on all things digital from across the African continent on a myriad of compelling topics and themes. I share Africa's stories of pure digital passion!

  1. Episode 169: 30 Years In Technology, Content, & Digital Marketing | The First Tech It From Me Podcast Episode

    4D AGO

    Episode 169: 30 Years In Technology, Content, & Digital Marketing | The First Tech It From Me Podcast Episode

    I had a fantastic time joining Joan Anyango for the very first episode of her "Tech It From Me" podcast. We took a deep dive into what drives me from those early dial-up Internet days in 1997 to building Dotsavvy right out of my bedroom back in 2002, and now navigating the AI era that's changing everything as know it.Personal BrandingWhen Joan asked what sets me apart in this crowded industry, I pointed straight to personal branding through consistent content creation. I've been blogging for over 15 years, sharing insights on technology in Kenya and Africa. It's not about being the smartest—it's about showing up obsessively and authentically. People connect with the unvarnished truth. Think about those behind-the-scenes clips from podcasts—they often get more views than the final edit because folks crave that real connection. I tell everyone: everything is content. Even what feels trivial can open doors if it's genuine.AI's Role in Digital Marketing – Empowerment & DisruptionWe got into how AI is transforming digital marketing, and it's not just hype—it's an "and" situation. For mama mbogas or jua kali guys, tools like ChatGPT let you create a full month's content calendar in minutes. No more expensive agencies needed. Bigger brands? They're optimizing costs, skipping costly photoshoots and model releases using AI creative. But here's the flip side: it's disrupting traditional jobs in photography, video production, and design. Folks in those fields need to upskill fast, taking their 10,000 hours of expertise and applying it to AI prompts. Otherwise, the tools will pass them by. Brands make a mistake rushing into ads without a solid story or reputation—digital amplifies every complaint. Fix your product, build your identity with a great website and value-driven social content, then sell.Smart Platform Choices in a TikTokified WorldJoan asked about social media recommendations, and I always say start with your audience and what you're selling. For my B2B world—banks, insurance, real estate—LinkedIn is king (think Facebook with a suit and tie), followed by Facebook for older decision-makers. For younger crowds, Gen Z and millennials? Instagram and TikTok all the way, where authenticity shines. The big shift? TikTokification. Followers don't matter anymore—algorithms push content based on quality and engagement, not your count. A creator with 40 followers can go viral with millions of views if it resonates. Focus on what converts, not vanity metrics.Advice for Digital Marketing BeginnersFor newcomers, embrace the AI era head-on. Play with tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Otter.ai, and Nano Banana for images. Don't copy others—find your unique fingerprint. I'm a writer at heart, so I lean there, but maybe you're killer at short videos or threads. Prompt engineering is emerging as a high-value skill, and reasoning models in AI can handle consultant-level work.Proud Career Moments and Favorite ToolsI'm proudest of pioneering the Kenya National Examinations Council's first online results portal around 2005—students checking KCPE and KCSE results online for the first time, and the servers didn't crash! Another highlight: videos showcasing how internet access empowers students with disabilities, blending storytelling with real impact.Africa's Bright Digital FutureWe wrapped on a high note: Africa's underrated in the digital game. Our young, tech-savvy, digital-native population is our superpower. If we invest in them, we'll lead the world in AI and innovation, not chase it.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & My Background (Father, Founder, Podcaster)4:30 - Personal Branding Secrets11:00 - AI in Marketing: Hustle Booster & Job Shaker19:00 - Common Brand Mistakes & Storytelling26:00 - Best Platforms Explained33:00 - Tips for Digital Newbies40:00 - Career Highlights (KNEC Portal, Impact Videos)47:00 - Tools I Can't Live Without54:00 - Africa's Digital Future

    59 min
  2. Episode 168 - Alice Ndung’u & Jacob Kyalo on the benefits of the Redington Sticker for the iPhone in Kenya

    12/17/2025

    Episode 168 - Alice Ndung’u & Jacob Kyalo on the benefits of the Redington Sticker for the iPhone in Kenya

    In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sat down with Alice Ndung’u, Head of Apple Marketing at Redington Kenya, and Jacob Kyalo, Apple Certified Trainer, to unpack everything you need to know about the Redington sticker — the black label found on Apple iPhone boxes across Kenya. We dove deep into what the sticker actually represents for consumers: a mark of authenticity, a 24-month warranty, 6-month accidental damage cover for the iPhone, and a verification system that’s fast and reliable. Whether you’re buying an iPhone, a MacBook, or an iPad, the Redington sticker makes a real difference in terms of long-term value and peace of mind. Expect insights on: ✅ How to verify a Redington-authorized device ✅ Coverage for cracked screens and liquid spills ✅ Transferability of warranties when gifting or reselling ✅ Consumer trust and after-sales support in Kenya 00:00 – Intro and Apple loyalty journey 01:28 – Introduction of guests from Redington 03:12 – What the Redington sticker means 05:40 – Warranty and damage cover explained 08:25 – Why device-based warranty matters 10:10 – Verifying your device with the sticker 13:32 – iPhones, iPads, and Macs: all covered1 6:05 – Audience questions answered 18:20 – Final thoughts and summary Whether you're an Apple enthusiast or a business investing in tech, this episode is a must-watch or listen to better understand why the Redington sticker is fast becoming a game-changer in Kenya’s Apple ecosystem.

    21 min
  3. Episode 167: A Conversation with Martin Kigondu on the Casually Human Podcast: 25+ Years of Internet Startups, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding & AI

    12/13/2025

    Episode 167: A Conversation with Martin Kigondu on the Casually Human Podcast: 25+ Years of Internet Startups, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding & AI

    I was recently a guest on the Casually Human podcast with Martin Kigondu for an in-depth and candid conversation covering my 25+ year journey in technology, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence in Kenya and Africa. Hosted in the intimate upstairs space at Sugar Bowl — the creative home built by Betty Musyoki, who worked at Dotsavvy nearly two decades ago — this conversation felt both nostalgic and transformational. It brought together personal history, professional evolution, and the larger digital story of Kenya. We explored everything from my early years in Mombasa, coding on a Sinclair ZX Spectrum, to navigating the early Internet boom in Nairobi, founding Dotsavvy, reinventing the business through multiple digital shifts, and now embracing the age of AI. This conversation also includes a serendipitous post-recording moment with Kevin “Wyre” Waire, who joined the podcast right after me — revealing his surprising world as a technology entrepreneur before delivering an intimate unplugged performance at Sugar Bowl. Special thanks to David “DJ Delite” Muriithi, who amplified the session online, and Wanja Gikonyo, who came specifically to support the recording. If you’re passionate about Kenya’s digital history, entrepreneurship, creativity, personal branding, or the future of AI, this is an episode worth watching and/or listening. 00:00 — Introduction01:12 — Setting the stage at Sugar Bowl & the Betty Musyoki connection02:20 — Growing up in Mombasa: curiosity, family values & early influences04:35 — The Sinclair ZX Spectrum: learning to code at age 1106:58 — Moving to Nairobi & entering the early Internet industry09:40 — Africa Online, KenyaWeb & the digital awakening of Kenya12:05 — Joining 3Mice Interactive & early digital agency life14:22 — Founding Dotsavvy: moonlighting, opportunity & risk16:10 — The realities of entrepreneurship: thin margins, resilience & reinvention18:50 — Working with Opera, InMobi & Naspers/Dealfish: expanding perspective21:00 — Kenya’s digital transformation: fibre, social media & mobile-first life24:30 — COVID-19 & the acceleration of digital adoption26:45 — Dotsavvy’s evolution: from websites to digital strategy & transformation29:30 — Personal branding: blogging, podcasting & the power of storytelling32:20 — LinkedIn, X (Twitter) & shaping digital narratives34:45 — AI & the future of digital work: storytelling + AI as new core skills37:50 — Why the next generation must master both creativity & technology40:10 — A surprise encounter with Wyre & his world as a tech entrepreneur42:00 — Creativity, platforms & the future of digital expression in Africa

    41 min
  4. Episode 166 - Planet Group International’s Fethi Amara On Transformational Enterprise Content Management In Africa

    11/25/2025

    Episode 166 - Planet Group International’s Fethi Amara On Transformational Enterprise Content Management In Africa

    In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I was joined by Fethi Amara, Senior Executive at Planet Group International (PGI), for a deep and inspiring conversation on the invisible but powerful engine behind Africa’s digital transformation: Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Business Process Management (BPM), now enhanced with AI.Fethi shared over 30 years of experience, from Arabizing foundational computing systems in the 90s to leading cutting-edge AI integrations at PGI across telecoms, banking, energy, and government in Africa and beyond. Together, we unpacked the challenges of managing enterprise data, building user-centric digital solutions, and the maturity gaps many organizations must bridge.From design thinking to agentic AI, legacy-free leapfrogging to digital chaos, this episode is an essential listen for any digital transformation leader operating in or focused on Africa:00:00 – Intro: Digital chaos & ECM’s role in Africa02:00 – Fethi Amara’s career journey & Arabizing tech in the 90s07:00 – Design thinking and localization in enterprise tech11:50 – The strategic advantage of being based in North Africa16:00 – What intelligent content management really means22:30 – How AI automates and classifies enterprise documents25:00 – ECM vs. BPM: turning documents into automated workflows29:40 – Telecoms & managing Africa’s data explosion33:30 – AI, compliance & digital maturity assessments37:25 – Mission-critical content management in energy and engineering40:20 – How modern ECM platforms embed AI natively45:35 – Global partnerships and PGI’s integrator model51:45 – Africa is NOT behind: success stories in Nigeria and Rwanda58:20 – Cloud-native advantage and leapfrogging legacy01:01:30 – Advice to African CEOs: Start with maturity. Start with users.👉 Watch and listen now to understand how Africa can go further, faster—with the right digital foundations. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.planetgroupint.com#DigitalTransformation #ContentManagement #ECM #AI #Africa #PlanetGroupInt

    1h 9m
  5. Episode 165 - CarDuka's Steve Kahugu On Building A Trusted Digital Car Sales Marketplace For 3M Users in Kenya

    11/24/2025

    Episode 165 - CarDuka's Steve Kahugu On Building A Trusted Digital Car Sales Marketplace For 3M Users in Kenya

    In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sit down with Steve Kahugu, the Chief Technology Officer at CarDuka, to unpack how one of Kenya’s fastest-growing digital car marketplaces is solving the country’s long-standing trust deficit in car buying and selling.CarDuka has grown from an online valuation platform in 2017 to a 2.5 million–user marketplace built around verification, safety, data-driven decision making, instant financing, and AI-powered insights. Steve gives a candid, deeply technical look into how the platform works, why trust remains the industry’s biggest pain point, and how CarDuka plans to scale toward 4 million users by December.We explore CarDuka’s dealer microsites, private seller tools, the new trading feature, powerful NCBA financing integrations, and their long-term vision of becoming the most trusted marketplace for cars across Africa.If you’ve ever bought or sold a car in Kenya, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a glimpse into the industry’s future:00:00 – Introduction & Why Trust Defines Kenya’s Car Market01:33 – CarDuka Origins: From Valuation Tool to Auctions to Marketplace03:22 – The Trust Deficit: Kenya’s #1 Pain Point in Car Transactions04:23 – Why Even Car Dealers Face Trust Challenges06:19 – How CarDuka’s Verification System Works (Buyers & Sellers)08:51 – Mileage Manipulation & New Authenticity Safeguards10:25 – Deep Integration with NCBA & Instant Financing13:35 – CarDuka Growth: From 1M to 2.5M Users14:00 – AI-Powered Car Reviews & Chatbots16:55 – Scaling to 4 Million Users: What’s Driving Adoption21:13 – Private Sellers: Self-Listing vs. Sell-It-For-Me23:06 – New Trading Feature Explained24:58 – Dealer Microsites & Digital Showrooms28:11 – Why Dealers Must Learn to Self-List31:51 – Dealer Benefits: Verified Leads, NCBA Financing & More32:13 – The 2030 Roadmap & CarDuka Club35:26 – Misconceptions About Buying Cars Online37:38 – Message to Hesitant Buyers38:14 – Message to Dealers Yet to Join CarDuka39:06 – Where to Learn More & Download the App39:31 – Closing Thoughts

    41 min
  6. Episode 164 - ALN ATLAS 2025: Phyllis Migwi, David Bunei, & Shikoh Gitau On Building Africa’s Digital Legal Infrastructure

    11/23/2025

    Episode 164 - ALN ATLAS 2025: Phyllis Migwi, David Bunei, & Shikoh Gitau On Building Africa’s Digital Legal Infrastructure

    At the ALN ATLAS 2025 – Africa Law & Tech Symposium on the 12th November 2025, I had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion exploring one of the most important conversations of our time: How Africa can build a digital legal infrastructure that is trusted, inclusive, secure, and ready for the future. In this session, I was joined by three leaders who sit at the heart of Africa’s evolving digital economy — Phyllis Migwi of Microsoft Kenya, David Bunei of Oracle Kenya, and Dr. Shikoh Gitau of Qhala. Together, we unpacked the essential building blocks needed to turn Africa’s digital policy aspirations into real-world systems that can support the continent’s social and economic ambitions. The conversation began with a deep dive into the tension between innovation and compliance, with Phyllis offering a rare inside look at how Microsoft operationalizes responsible AI, navigates the Kenya Data Protection Act, and works to build trust through transparent governance practices. She emphasized that AI adoption in Africa can only flourish if organizations commit to ethical, auditable, and people-centered approaches that protect users. David expanded the conversation by confronting the reality that Africa risks being left behind if the continent does not accelerate investment in cloud infrastructure, data centers, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. He emphasized that Africa’s digital future cannot be built on fragmented data policies or minimal investment in digital capacity. To benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Africa must modernize its legal frameworks, scale public-private cooperation, and grow a digitally literate population capable of adopting and trusting new technologies. Shikoh grounded the entire conversation by reminding us that digital transformation is ultimately about people. Policy documents, she argued, do not create digitization — practical implementation does. Using Rwanda’s fintech passport as a case study, she demonstrated how regulatory sandboxes, human-centered design, and region-based experimentation can unlock pragmatic, cross-border digital ecosystems that work in real life, not just on paper. As the panel progressed, we explored the promise of blockchain in legal agreements, the future of smart contracts in Africa’s informal and agricultural sectors, the risks and opportunities associated with cross-border data governance, and the urgent need for Africa to define its own AI ethics and digital identity principles rather than import frameworks that may not reflect the continent’s realities. We ended with a clear view of what must happen next: Africa must align digital laws with continental ambitions, build capacity at scale, experiment more boldly, and adopt legal and regulatory innovation as a default mindset. The future is already unfolding — Africa’s responsibility is to shape it intentionally. 00:00 — Introduction 02:40 — AI Governance & Compliance in Africa 08:18 — Cloud Infrastructure & Data Sovereignty 13:55 — Human-Centered Digital Policy 21:00 — Responsible AI & Public Sector Readiness 23:40 — Smart Contracts & Blockchain Adoption 32:55 — Cross-Border Data Governance 38:20 — Public-Private Collaboration 49:30 — Closing Reflections 54:50 — Final Thoughts #ATLAS2025 #LawMeetsCode #DigitalAfrica #AIinAfrica #ALNAcademy

    58 min
  7. Episode 163 - Fuelling The Hustle: MESH CEO Anuj Tanna On Identity, AI, & The Future of Work In Kenya & Africa

    10/18/2025

    Episode 163 - Fuelling The Hustle: MESH CEO Anuj Tanna On Identity, AI, & The Future of Work In Kenya & Africa

    In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Anuj Tanna, Co-Founder and CEO of MESH, for a deep dive into the platform that is fuelling Kenya's vibrant hustle economy.   Anuj shares the foundational insights from his time at Telkom Kenya that led him to see the informal economy not as a problem to be fixed, but as a powerful engine to be supported. We discuss the specific product mechanics, business model, and future vision for the platform serving over 1 million young entrepreneurs.   This is a must watch or listen for anyone in technology, finance, and social impact in Kenya and Africa.In this episode, we discuss:(02:45) The key lessons from Telkom Kenya that became the seed for MESH.(10:30) Why "identity" is the biggest lever for income growth, not the biggest barrier.(15:32) How MESH's UI/UX is architected to shift a user's identity from "unemployed" to "entrepreneur."(21:12) The "Jungle Gym" model: Why peer-to-peer learning from someone "two steps ahead" beats formal courses.(26:19) The future of MESH: Using generative AI to create a personal business coach in Sheng and Swahili.(29:59) The "Wraparound Experience": A groundbreaking, three-pillar strategy to make trust "bankable" and unlock credit.(36:51) The MESH Business Model: How the platform stays free for users by partnering with corporates.(49:36) Overcoming resistance and changing the mindset from "formalizing" to "fuelling" the informal economy.Enjoyed this?👍 Like the podcast💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Kenya's and Africa's digital transformation.#PureDigitalPassion #MESH #AnujTanna #MosesKemibaro #HustleEconomy #Kenya #Africa #Technology #Startups

    1h 2m
  8. Episode 162 - Affordable eSIM Mobile Data Roaming For Kenyan & African Travellers with Mandeep Birdi & Peter Lubia

    09/15/2025

    Episode 162 - Affordable eSIM Mobile Data Roaming For Kenyan & African Travellers with Mandeep Birdi & Peter Lubia

    Tired of shocking data roaming bills after your travels? The eSIM revolution is here to put an end to that. In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Mandeep Birdi, CEO of RoamBuddy, and Peter Lubia, CEO of Flexicom Enterprises, to unpack how eSIM technology is making global connectivity affordable and seamless for travelers from Kenya and across Africa.We dive deep into their groundbreaking partnership and the landmark deal with Kenya Airways to launch the KQ Safari Data plan. This is a conversation about the end of the physical SIM card and the future of mobile connectivity.In this episode, we cover:(01:53) What is an eSIM? Mandeep Birdi explains the fundamentals of this 100% digital SIM and how it's installed.(03:33) Apple's Big Move: How the new eSIM-only iPhones are accelerating the global shift away from physical SIM cards.(05:55) A Practical Guide: Peter Lubia walks through the simple, step-by-step process of getting an eSIM before you travel.(08:09) The Global-Local Partnership: We break down the innovative model between RoamBuddy and Flexicom that's bringing this technology to Kenya.(11:12) Benefits Beyond Travel: Exploring the enhanced security, flexibility, and environmental advantages of eSIMs.(21:57) Africa's eSIM Opportunity: Why the continent is a fertile ground for this technology, leapfrogging legacy systems.(31:20) The Inside Story: How the landmark partnership with Kenya Airways to launch KQ Safari Data came to be.(35:24) Solving Corporate Travel: A look at the enterprise solutions that eliminate the nightmare of roaming expenses for businesses.(47:24) How to Get Connected: A clear call to action for individual travelers and businesses who want to start using or partnering on eSIMs.(56:18) The Future of Connectivity: Will the physical SIM card become a museum artifact? Our guests share their predictions.Connect with our guests:RoamBuddy: https://www.roambuddy.worldFlexicom Enterprises: https://esim.flexicom.co.keKQ Safari Data: https://www.kqsafaridata.com

    1h 3m

About

This is pure digital passion, the podcast of Moses Kemibaro, one of Kenya's and Africa's leading digital marketers, techbloggers, and technology analysts. Join me for insightful interviews and commentaries on all things digital from across the African continent on a myriad of compelling topics and themes. I share Africa's stories of pure digital passion!