Marketing Africa crew held a discussion with Mr . Kester Muhanji , Chief Executive Officer , Aquila East Africa , a recent Association of Practitioners in Advertising ( APA ) member on an array of issues affecting the marketing industry in general and how his outfit is navigating this ecosystem and shares the deliberations here-in .
Give us a brief overview of your company – history , areas of business , target markets , market share goals , brand values , positioning strategy , general marketing theme .
Aquila East Africa is a marketing and communication agency that was founded in 2010 by Kester Muhanji . The agency offers a wide range of services , including brand identity development , experiential marketing , creative and production services , media strategy development and execution , public relations and digital marketing services .
Aquila East Africa ' s target markets are businesses of all sizes in Kenya and East Africa and the agency ' s goal is to help its clients achieve their marketing and communication goals by providing them with high-quality , customized services .
Our brand values are creativity , innovation , and effectiveness . The agency ' s positioning strategy is to be the leading marketing and communication agency in East African region and Africa at large . Our general marketing theme is to help our clients connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways .
Specifically , what needs in the marketing and communication space within the ecosystem , did you observe , prompting you to set up ?
When Kester founded Aquila East Africa , he saw an unmet need in the marketing and communication space in Kenya and East Africa . There were a number of small and medium-sized businesses that were struggling to get their message out to their target audiences . Aquila East Africa was founded to provide these businesses with the resources and expertise they need to reach their target audiences and achieve their marketing goals .
Besides , most agencies in the industries were traditionally rigid in their execution of client campaigns and more so in costing structures and discount levels . Aquila East Africa prides itself in being very flexible to client needs and budgets while still delivering value .
How would you describe the actual process of venturing into the market ?
The process of venturing into the market was not easy . Kester had to start from scratch and build a team of experienced professionals . He also had to raise capital and develop a business plan . However , he was determined to succeed , and he worked extra hard to make Aquila East Africa a success .
Facts and figures you can share regarding the growth of your company ?
Aquila East Africa has grown significantly since it was founded in 2010 . The agency started as a one man show , and now has a team of over 70 employees and has worked with a wide range of clients , including Colgate Palmolive , CFAO Kenya & CFAO Motors , AstraZeneca , Airtel , TotalEnergies , Quickmart among others .
What unique challenges has the firm encountered over the years ? How did you overcome these ?
Aquila East Africa has faced a number of unique challenges over the years . One challenge has been the competitive environment . The marketing and communication industry is a crowded space , with numerous other agencies vying for the same pie .
Another challenge has been the economic climate . Kenya ' s economy has been struggling in recent years , which has made it difficult for businesses to invest in marketing and communication .
We have overcome these challenges by providing our clients with high-quality , customized services . The agency has also invested in its people and has a strong team of experienced professionals . Aquila East Africa is also committed to innovation and is always looking for new ways to help our clients achieve their marketing goals .
What are some of the more important business achievements the firm has executed ? Briefly highlight about some of your main clients and the impact your relationship with them has had on their growth trajectory .
Aquila East Africa has accomplished a number of business achievements since it was founded . The agency has helped its clients launch new products and services , increase brand awareness , and generate leads . We have also been recognized for our work , winning a number of awards for some of our clients .
Our main clients include Colgate Palmolive , for whom we handle experiential marketing for their products ; CFAO Kenya , where we manage their digital presence and community engagement ; and Quickmart , for whom we provide PR and advertising services for the brand . The agency has also collaborated with numerous other businesses , including pharmaceutical , multi-energy , and telecommunications companies .
The agency has helped many of our clients increase brand awareness , generate leads , and close deals , besides helping them improve their customer service and loyalty .
Why do clients choose Aquila over other service providers ? How do you distinguish yourselves from the competition ?