[PHOTOS] Former Radio Africa Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo feted

Former Radio Africa Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo has been feted with the 2024 MSK Warrior Award by the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK).

Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager at Madison Group Kenya Yvonne Tharao won the MSK Warrior Award.

At the same time, MSK also awarded Comedian Crazy Kennar.

The MSK Award Gala was held on Friday.

Experts who spoke challenged the local marketing industry to craft campaigns that endear inclusivity and diversity in society while fighting ills such as gender-based violence.

UN Women Special Representative Antonia Sodonan challenged marketers to develop campaigns that speak out against violence against women, noting that ethical advertising practices can end such ills in society.

“The global cost of violence against women in public, private and social spheres is approximately two per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product GDP) or $1.5 trillion. We are confident that ethical advertising can challenge the norms that perpetuate violence and advocate for dignity and respect,” she said.

Seasoned marketer Eva Muraya said different marketing campaigns can be looked as contributing to the marketing of the Kenyan brand internationally, urging marketers to develop campaigns that are devoid of stereotypes.

Muraya also urged the industry to embrace diversity.

“Marketing is not about individual campaigns and products. This is a nation-building tool. Every campaign that we craft contributes to the larger narrative of Brand Kenya,” she said.

“The more we drive narratives that stereotype, this embeds and enforces the society to be persuaded to behave in a certain way that may not be inclusive and about diversity. Kenya’s brand is shaped by the products we create, the services that we offer and the stories we tell on the global stage. Ours is to ensure that everything that we are creating reflects the intrinsic value of our people, our authenticity, innovation and excellence.”

“I would like to challenge us to embrace cross-generational collaboration. Let us not be comfortable if there is no diversity by gender or age in our boardrooms, our agencies, or marketing departments,” she said.

“By blending the experience and wisdom of seasoned marketers and creativity of emerging talent, we create a richer, more innovative industry.”

Muraya also noted that the industry should keep up with emerging trends, addressing issues that matter to different audiences as well as using the people’s media of choice to reach them.

“Digital advertising will continue to dominate and if you look at social impact marketing campaigns, these are reshaping the industry, proving that purpose-driven initiates not only win hearts but also build lasting loyalty,” she said.

“These categories reflect how marketers are navigating new frontiers, adapting to shifts in consumer behavior, and leveraging technological advancements to stay ahead.”