Nick Mararo used the Africa Forward Summit side event, Nova Garage, to introduce a new community-focused project aimed at giving ordinary Kenyans a platform to share their stories and ideas.
The businessman, entrepreneur, and Nyeri Senatorial aspirant unveiled PodcastOnWheels, a mobile podcast studio created through Base Yetu, during the gathering that brought together innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing Africa’s future.
Photo Courtesy
The project is designed to move from one community to another across Kenya, especially in areas that are often overlooked. Instead of waiting for people to travel to major cities or expensive studios, the mobile setup will take professional recording equipment directly to neighborhoods, estates, schools, and community spaces.
According to Mararo, the idea is to make it easier for people to speak about their experiences, talents, businesses, and challenges from where they live.
Mararo explained that many young people and creatives have valuable ideas but lack opportunities to be heard.
Through PodcastOnWheels, Base Yetu hopes to create a space where local voices can be recorded and shared in a professional way. The project will focus on stories from young innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and community members working on solutions in their own areas.
Photo Courtesy:
During the Nova Garage event, discussions focused on technology, innovation, investment, and development across Africa.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo Gitau was among the leaders who participated in the conversations. While many speakers discussed large-scale opportunities and policies, Mararo emphasized the importance of involving communities directly in national conversations.
He noted that development becomes more meaningful when people at the grassroots level are included.
The initiative also reflects the kind of work Mararo has been involved in through Base Yetu over the years. His organization has supported youth empowerment programs, sports activities, and social projects aimed at bringing communities together.
PodcastOnWheels adds another layer to these efforts by encouraging dialogue and creating room for people to express themselves freely.
Supporters who attended the launch welcomed the idea, saying it could help discover hidden talent and promote local solutions to everyday challenges.
Others noted that taking opportunities closer to the people makes a big difference, especially for young people who may not have access to media platforms or professional networks. Residents from Nyeri and other counties expressed hope that the mobile studio would soon visit their areas.
For Mararo, the project is also connected to his wider vision for leadership and development. He has often spoken about the need for progress that includes people from all parts of the country, not just urban centers. He believes communities understand their own needs best and should have a chance to contribute ideas that can shape solutions.
As preparations continue for future stops across different counties, the team behind PodcastOnWheels plans to make the mobile studio a regular presence in communities.
Photo Courtesy:
The aim is to document local stories, highlight creativity, and encourage discussions that matter to ordinary citizens. Through the initiative, Mararo hopes to bridge the gap between high-level conversations and the realities people face daily.
The launch of PodcastOnWheels comes at a time when conversations around youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive leadership continue to grow across Kenya.
Nick Mararo is positioning the project as one that listens to people directly and gives them an opportunity to be part of larger conversations about the country’s future.
