Kimani Maina and Shalom Meeni were today announced as the top winners of the inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024, a youth-focused podcasting competition organized by Youth+ Africa. The initiative, which aims to nurture the next generation of podcasting talent, awarded Kimani Ksh. 50,000 and Shalom Ksh. 40,000, among other prizes, to celebrate their achievements.
The competition spanned eight weeks, attracting 80 participants, with 11 finalists receiving personalized mentorship from industry experts. The finalists showcased their pilot episodes at a vibrant Live Demo Day event held at The Alchemist in Nairobi.
Kimani Maina, who won the Ready for Market Award, expressed his excitement, saying:
“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, who took home the People’s Choice Award, shared her passion for storytelling:
“Podcasting is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I’m eager to continue creating content that connects people and amplifies diverse African experiences.”
Youth+ Africa’s CEO, Freddy Mulli, lauded the finalists for their creativity and potential.
“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 storytelling and income generation, and these creators are leading the way,” said Mulli.
In addition to prize money, winners will receive support for full-season podcast production, branding, marketing, and three months of mentorship with industry professionals. The competition recognized talent across several categories:
- Ready for Market Award: Kimani Maina
- People’s Choice Award: Shalom Meeni
- Impact Award: Teresa Loch
- Breakthrough Idea Award: Kellyne Njoge
- The Wazo/SemaBox Award: The Disruptors (Ngina Mualuko and Mahak Dagar)
- The Good Company Award: The Bigger Picture (Mitchelle Gathii and Austin Morara)
Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024 was organized in partnership with Legally Clueless by Adelle Onyango, Semabox Africa, and Joyride Studios. The initiative aimed to highlight podcasting as a tool for education, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods, especially for youth aged 18 to 35.
Aligned with the International Youth Day (IYD) 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress – Digital Pathways for a Sustainable Future,” the competition underscores the role of digital media in driving progress.
The PodQuest aligns with Youth+ Africa’s mission to empower young people through social entrepreneurship, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives. Its Youth+ Radio platform continues to amplify the stories of Africa’s most inspiring young entrepreneurs, building pathways for sustainable success.
This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new era, showcasing the power of youth-driven storytelling and reinforcing podcasting’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
