Google for Kenya 2019

The moment

Google for Kenya 2019 set out Google’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth in Kenya: better internet access, tools for small businesses and support for local innovation. The day launched free high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots, new tools for SMEs and boda boda riders, Swahili voice search and expanded YouTube monetisation for Kenyan creators, and celebrated more than a million Kenyans trained in digital skills.

A room that looked like Nairobi

The brief was for a setting that carried the themes on stage into the space itself. We drew on Nairobi’s culture, pop culture and landmarks: a giant lion mural, kanga and kitenge prints on every column, illustrations of KICC and the Nairobi skyline on screen, and woven baskets on the walls.

Around the plenary, product zones let guests try things for themselves. The Google Maps area was built like a Nairobi shopfront with painted-tyre seating, a curved Google Earth wall flew guests across the country, and Google Cardboard viewers, the Bolo reading corner and Local Guides displays filled the exhibition. Local food and a live band kept the day rooted in the city.

Fifteen vendors, one room

From the budget, work plan and event theme through site visits, space layouts, technical checks, vendor contracting, branding production, risk assessment and rehearsals to set-up, registration, guest management, production and reporting, Waridi delivered the event, with two planners coordinating fifteen vendors.