Kimani Maina and Shalom Meeni emerged as top winners at the inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024, a youth-centered podcasting competition spearheaded by Youth+ Africa.
The groundbreaking initiative aimed to discover Africa’s next generation of podcast talent. With Kimani winning at receiving Ksh. 50,000 while Shalom walked away eith Ksh. 40,000 amongst other prizes.
Over eight weeks, 80 participants applied, and 11 finalists underwent intense one-on-one mentorship from industry experts before showcasing their pilot episodes at a Live Demo Dayheld at The Alchemist in Nairobi.
Kimani Maina, winner of the Ready for Market Award, said, “This platform has been life-changing. Podcasting gives us a voice, and I’m excited to bring untold stories to the forefront and shape conversations that matter.”
Shalom Meeni, winner of the People’s Choice Award, added: “Podcasting is a powerful tool for storyteling, and I’m eager to continue creating content that connects people and amplifies diverse African experiences.”
Freddy Muli, CEO of Youth+ Africa, praised al participants: “Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic podcasting talent. We are incredibly proud of what the finalists have achieved, and we look forward to supporting these young creators as they build on their success. Podcasts are becoming a powerful medium for storyteling
and income generation, and these creators are leading the way.”
In addition to receiving a range of prize money, ful-season podcast production, marketing and branding support, and three months of mentorship with industry leaders, the winners were recognized in the folowing categories:
● Readyfor Market Award: Kimani Maina
● People’s Choice Award: Shalom Meeni
● ImpactAward: Teresa Loch
● Breakthrough Idea Award: Kellyne Njoge
● TheWazo/SemaBoxAward: The Disruptors (Ngina Mualuko and Mahak Dagar)
● The Good Company Award: The Bigger Picture (Mitchelle Gathii and Austin Morara)
Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024, organized in partnership with Legaly Clueless by Adele Onyango, Semabox Africa, and Joyride Studios, was created to highlight the potential of podcasting as a medium for education, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods for youth aged 18 to 35. The initiative was launched in line with the International Youth Day
(IYD) 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress– Digital Pathways for a Sustainable Future.”
The competition aligns with Youth+ Africa’s mission to empower young people across the continent through social entrepreneurship, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives. Its Youth+ Radio platform continues to spotlight stories of Africa’s most inspiring young entrepreneurs.