Jimmy Omoke

Founder & Publisher – Mashariki Media.

to the frustrations of not being able to readily access information from the homeland and the fear that the lack of archiving it will lead to knowledge bankruptcy and danger of a widening digital divide. I then therefore set to launch various projects that have proven credible and representative of the people of Kenya. 

My initial target audience was principally Kenyans in the homeland. However, due to the lack of lack of good and reliable computer networks to foster adequate computer use, primarily due to reasons of poverty and poor infrastructure and given the glaring limitations, I quickly realized that the community would be better served if I the targeted audience was diaspora citizens as they could effectively access internet resources, and quite frankly needed it more than those on the motherland.

We first went live with Kisii.Com in 2000 which was started as an online electronic archive focused on the Abagusii people in Western Kenya. I (with help of a few friends) for the first time started publishing historical data, photography, multimedia, current news, and a highly interactive discussion forum that predominantly dwelt on issues afflicting the aforementioned community. The feedback has been nothing but sheer positivity and some great suggestions and ideas for expansion. I planned to continue developing the project and eventually embarked on building a case to some of my friends to create online communities for their people as well. During its conception, I was faced with a dilemma on whether to use the Kisii vernacular language exclusively, or use it concurrently with English. After much thought and consultation with diverse parties, we decided to use English for almost 99 percent of the site’s content. This move became instantly controversial and the risk was palpable. Fortunately, the gamble paid off, salvaging the certain loss of other group’s audiences that could have otherwise not been unable to comprehend the site’s content due to language barriers. The portal has since enjoyed a wide array of visitors from all corners of the world and helped in telling the story of the Abagusii people while enjoying growth. As a pioneer that avoided ethnic and tribal undertones and pandering, we gracefully formed a community that was a role model to the Kenyan society.  Several other online communities followed suit several years later.

My next challenge was to create a comprehensive electronic gallery [Kenyans.Org]that houses all kinds of tangible media including multimedia (audio and videos), photographic media that spans historical images, people, events, places, things, art, subjective and objective imagery and topography. The initial intended audience for the site was Kenyans (especially those in the diaspora) but increasingly, a high number of diverse visitors patronized it and thus led to the expansion and growth to include East African content ( and sometimes beyond) so long as the content was relevant to our core mission. This dream came alive when we launched this online gateway and entertainment outlet of streaming videos, audio, still photography and interactive tools such as forums and chat rooms. Since its inception in 2005, the online community has grown to thousands of registered members and thriving online presence. Even though this project has been the most challenging to keep afloat due to emerging technological trends and other growing needs of both members and guests such as bandwidth, we have done a commendable job of survival within the limitations of technology and finances.

As our signature feature, we deliberately have opted not to adopt any advertisements or any targeted marketing on any of our nonprofit sites simply because it’s not consistent with the vision that drove me to put these projects together. More so, I believe the sites stands a better chance of exponentially expanding both on the membership base and visitor traffic if content continues to be provided free of charge, and without the nuisances or hassles of marketing and advertisements. Consequently, both members and guests are certain to be treated to an enhanced online experience, on neat, tidy, cool, and relaxing sites.

Mashariki media currently vaunts a growing and buzzing  nonprofit portfolio of over 10 web portals with geographic relevance to the Eastern African region, with a primary purpose of elevating awareness on internetworking, online presence, and access to information (e-commerce, multimedia, political, social & institutions).  Its non-commercial portfolio include: Kenyans.Org, Kisii.Com, SokoStore.Com, KitutuChache.Com, Kenyans.Biz, MissWorldKenya.Com, Mosocho.Com, and Kenyans. Info, etc. We also provide premium services related to web hosting, Information Technology consulting and solutions, data and website packages. Our creative works can be accessed through links provided on this site or by direct request to us. We hope that you have enjoyed your stay here or any of our creative works, have appreciated our efforts so far and anticipate your support in the future. Thank you.

Yours Faithfully,

Jimmy Omoke

Founder & Publisher – Mashariki Media Enterprises.