Brian Yatich Tirok from Kenya founded Afritech Media in 2016 after noticing a big demand for web design, social media & SEO services.

Tell us a little bit about your background?

I was born and raised in a remote village in Baringo County in Kenya, I grew up fascinated by technology and how it is influencing everyday lives. As a millennial, I knew how electronic gadgets worked. With my interest in everything tech, I took up a course in Media Communications, then later focused on web development. I joined a publishing firm as a business writer. After a while, I was given a task to redesign a small firm's website. They loved the job, and so I decided to start my own website design firm: Afritech Media. We work across Africa but are based in Kenya

What made you choose the entrepreneurial route?

I have always been interested in technology and how it has revolutionized our day-to-day activities. one day I thought: "How can I utilize this opportunity to change lives, while at the same time make a living?" 

What has been the highlight since you started your company?

Our highlight is our interactions with different companies and institutions. Every time we do a project, we are getting great feedback from our clients, which results in new potential business.

What has been a key lesson learned?

A startup's or entrepreneur's journey is full of challenging and enlightening lessons. I have come to believe that by keeping your mind open to new ideas and embracing novelty, you create opportunities for yourself and others. By exposing yourself to a multitude of businesses and products, your scope expands.

Where do you want to be in 5 years from now?

I want to grow by adding new services, like App development, and grow my client base by ten-fold. In five years, I want a huge portfolio while at the same time improve how business is done.

What is your strategy to achieve that?

The plan moving forward is to improve our products and services with new ideas. We also need to get more talent on board and are looking at securing a syndication partnership with other web designers across the borders to cement our presence in the region.

Who are your role models (one female, one male) and why?

If there is one individual who justifies the word “leadership", it must be Nelson Mandela. I consider him as an icon. Then there is Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women in the world. She had humble beginnings, born to a teen mother in rural Mississippi. Winfrey has stated that she was raped at 9 and pregnant at 14, but she overcame these hardships and built a reputation as a powerful media voice. 

What are your 3 key tips for aspiring and budding entrepreneurs?

Be focused, be determined and always stay curious!

Why would you recommend others to join Afrinection?

Afrinection is a powerful medium where you can get to connect with and interact with businesses, brands, organizations and companies across the region. This is a great opportunity especially for startups and entrepreneurs to get their business on the global map.

If you want to be interviewed for our blog or YouTube channel, please sign up for an Afrinection profile and email Miriam at miriam@afrinection.com for more info!