Incubation

Why Are We Incubating?

The media space is facing numerous challenges globally, from disrupted business models to information credibility and political interference. This has led to shrinking revenues, and COVID-19 exacerbated a situation that was already dire.

New media start-ups are struggling to be viable because of declining funding and limited internal capacity. Often, formal media programs are not providing the right skills and support to help practitioners deliver high-quality, in-depth content. There is therefore a need for more support to independent and innovative media in order to overcome these challenges.

We acknowledge that starting up in the media space is not an easy endeavor, however, the realities on the ground can only be experienced and documented by testing assumptions. Baraza is bold enough to offer an experimental place for media startups, and we would love to collaborate with like-minded organisations.

Going to market for the first time is a turning point for startups where their ideas and perceptions meet the (sometimes) harsh reality on the ground. Baraza Media Lab Startup Incubator helps startups to overcome this difficult stage.

Applications Closed

What is Baraza Media Lab Incubator?

Baraza’s Incubator will host for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as individuals and teams who wish to create an organization or implement a specific innovative project in the media space.

We will assist the incubated startups with support in developing a route to commercialization, formulation of an outstanding management team, beta testing a product or service that addresses a real need in the community, marketing ingenuity, sound legal advice, as well as a grant to cushion the experimental phase.

The maximum time of supporting organizations or projects is 12 months from the date of their selection.

Partners

Announcement

On the 31st of Jan 2022, Baraza Media Lab announced the commencement of its inaugural incubator. The program will incubate 3 candidates working on innovative projects in the media space and will run for a period of 12 months, assisting the cohort to refine their ideas/projects, beta test their products or services that address a real need in the community, develop a route to commercialization, give legal advice, as well as provide a grant to cushion the experimental phase (among others). We are proud to be working with these 3 media practitioners and can’t wait to see the novel ideas, & business models that’ll come out of this incubator grow and flourish.

From Left To Right: Marcus Olang, Cindy Ogana, & Richard Muraya

Meet the Cohort

Photography. Writing. Communication Design.

Marcus Olang is a human with one primary passion: Threading stories of people, cultures, places, and things, through his photography and his writing.

Story-threading is a renowned ability of his, one honed and polished over his extensive track record in communications – from being on the radio, into an agency in both copywriting and (later) strategic communications planning.

He is presently the Chief Photographer at Stills by Marcus, with a body of work spanning 8 years thus far. His photography style focuses on a candid approach, creating a documentary and slice-of-life feel to the final output. In his personal writing, he focuses on social commentary, while he commissioned work covers a breadth of issues, from behavior change communication campaigns to offering consults and expertise to social enterprises working in different parts of Africa.

Cindy Ogana has over 14 years of experience in television and radio production, the last 7 years focusing on non for profit communication. During the advent of the pandemic, she and her husband formed a film production company called Cast in Stone Productions. 

Through the incubator program, she hopes to learn how to commercialize their combined skills as writers, directors, and content creators to generate income and become professional creative, and social entrepreneurs. Cast In Stone productions endeavors to find new and unique ways that can use in film and documentaries to tell African stories.

Richard Muraya is an enterprising Kenyan youth with 11 years of experience in social programming in Africa through the United Nations, Kenyan public service, international non-profits, youth-led community organizations, and social entrepreneurial ventures. He has vast experience as a policy analyst, data scientist, social entrepreneur, digital storyteller, and subject matter specialist in good governance. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development and holds certifications from Harvard University, International Monetary Fund, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, Inter-American Development Bank, among others. He is the founder of The Demography Project non-profit organization.

What they had to say

What do you get in our incubator?

Applications

All interested parties can submit applications within the predetermined period which is announced periodically and in a timely manner, by the organization. Applications are ONLY open to companies operating in Kenya.

Selection Process

The selection is conducted with a group of 5 (professionals from Kenya and the Baraza Media Lab Team), who will evaluate candidates based on predefined criteria.

The committee will only select and reach out to the top five organisations to go through with the incubation. This number can grow depending on the availability of funds for the program.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Incubation Program

Who should apply?

We encourage for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals and teams who wish to create an organization or implement a specific innovative project in the media space.

What does media mean in the context of this program?

We are keen to curate a cohort that has representation from different sections of new media and the creative economy such as writers, photographers, animators, visual artists, podcasters, filmmakers and more. Through the program, we are looking to spark cross-disciplinary collaborations and joint storytelling projects in a manner not yet seen in the Kenyan media ecosystem.

Do I have to be a Kenyan citizen or resident?

At the moment, the incubation program is open to Kenyan citizens and residents only.

How much shareholding will Baraza Media Lab take?

Baraza Media Lab will take 5% of the business’ shareholding.

Is there a ‘buy-back’ or exit option if I want to regain shareholding?

Yes there is a buy-back option that is subject to a mutual agreement

Can I apply if I have already received funding from another organization?

Yes, you are welcome to apply even if you’ve received funding from a different source

Will I be informed if my application is accepted or rejected?

We will inform both successful and rejected applicants . However, due to the volume of applications that we are anticipating, we might not be able to share direct feedback to the unsuccessful ones.

How much autonomy do I have on how I can spend the stipend?

You will be accorded complete autonomy with relevant guidance from Baraza.

How can I know about other programs and special activities organized by Baraza?

We encourage you to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter here. As well as following us on social media. We are @BarazaLab on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn & @Barazamedialab on Instagram and YouTube.

Be in the know

Subscribe to our mailing list and get to be informed about open applications.

Vacancies

We currently have no openings but kindly check out and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter Barua Ya Baraza for vacancies and opportunities within the broader ecosystem

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