NAIROBI, Kenya – The energy crackled in the air as 60 of Kenya’s most promising young creatives gathered on Saturday morning at the EABL headquarters, ready to put their talent to the test in the highly anticipated Cannes Young Lions Competition.
Excitement, nerves, and a touch of competitive fire set the stage for the two-day event, which will see participants battle it out for a chance to represent Kenya at the prestigious Cannes Lions Festival in France.
Young Kenyan creatives at the official kickoff of the @Cannes_Lions Young Lions Competitions powered by @SafaricomPLCThe two-day competition is be held at @EABL_PLC headquarters this Saturday and end on Sunday, March 9, 2025.#YoungLionsKenya #SafaricomPowersYoungLionsKe
A Dream, A Challenge, and 24 Hours to Prove It
This isn’t just any competition—it’s a creative pressure cooker.
Teams of two across three categories—Digital, Design, and Print—have only 24 hours to craft a compelling campaign for a non-profit or purpose-driven organization.
The challenge? Marrying strategy with creativity under an unforgiving deadline.
For digital category competitor Francis Kimathi, the thrill isn’t just about winning but embracing the experience.
“I’m a bit nervous, but I’m okay,” he admitted. “I just want to have fun, push my limits, and hopefully turn my project into something bigger for my business.”
Meanwhile, in the Design category, Tinashi Mwaniki and Maissy Wairimu found themselves right at home.
“We’re both in design, so entering was a no-brainer,” Wairimu said. The duo discovered the competition through Instagram, applied on impulse, and weren’t shocked when they made the cut.
Their game plan? Keep it cool, soak in the vibes, and create content that resonates.
Cannes Young Lions creative competitors at the EABL headquarters, Nairobi on Saturday, March 8.The event has brought together 60 of the country’s most promising creatives, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage. 📸VICTOR IMBOTO…
A Leap of Faith: The Power of Opportunity
For Chrys and Mwaki Oringa, the competition is more than just a test—it’s an adventure.
Chrys spotted the opportunity on LinkedIn and immediately pitched it to his partner. “I walked up to him and said, ‘Do you want to do something crazy before we die?’” Their approach? Take risks, have fun, and make an impact.
The event isn’t just a local showdown—it’s a gateway to international recognition.
Winners will earn the chance to compete on the global stage at the Cannes Lions Festival, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s top creative minds.
Safaricom’s Role in Fueling the Next Generation of Creatives
Backing this creative showdown is Safaricom, stepping in as the title sponsor to ensure young Kenyan talent gets the exposure it deserves.
The telecom giant’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation and youth empowerment, reinforcing the importance of nurturing homegrown talent in the creative industry.
As the competition unfolds, one thing is clear: for these young professionals, Cannes Young Lions isn’t just a contest—it’s a career-defining moment.
Whether they win or not, they walk away with experience, connections, and a taste of the high-stakes creative world.
