VIP INTERVIEW - It is your life

With only 31 years, Zainabu Shoko from Taita Tavetais running a well established graphic design business in Nairobi. But she is more than a good implementer and business lady; she is a strong young woman with strong opinions.

Interview by Dorthe Skovgaard Mortensen

Q: What is your vision for Kenya?

A: A good government that stands by its promises. Corruption, bad infrastructure, lack of security, education and health – and of course poverty – bothers me. We need a Kenya that can offer proper services to its people. Things don’t have to change overnight – but change has to happen. In campus we had a vice-chancellor who always advised us to list down our complaints and then he acted upon them – not all of them – but at least a few of them. The current government doesn’t act.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge for Kenya?

A: Corruption and lack of good governance and leadership. We need a good, strong and charismatic leader who people will listen to; a leader who has a vision for the future of our country, a leader that can sow the seeds for a better society.

Q: What is your best experience in working with development?

A: Last year my company did a poster for an organisation that deals with HIV/AIDS on community level. The poster was simple with an illustration of a lady with a child. The lady looks distressed and lost – just as everyone is in a desperate situation. The text said, “We are here to help”. As graphic designers I believe we can contribute to changing the mindset of people. But we don’t go out into the field to see the effect of our work and our clients rarely give us feedback on its impact.

Q: What historical moment do you have the most distinct recollection of?

A: The day I decided to start out on my own. It was a difficult decision, but my friends, who have been very supportive of me, said that given my educational background and experience I should be able to make it. I am happy that I gave it a try, and that I did it while young. Starting up a business of any sort doesn’t get any easier when you have family obligations.

Q: Which person has made the biggest impression on you, and why?

A: That would have to be two people - my parents. When you grow up it matters what you learn from your parents. Both my parents are strong. My mother is a Catholic and my father is a Muslim. They loved each other and created a peaceful and loving environment that broadened my mind. My parents believed in equality between girls and boys and raised all of us the same. They talked with us and they never forced us in regards to school performance. My father’s favourite words were, “if you do well I’ll be proud, but bottom line, it’s your life.” Those 3 words “It’s our life” challenged me to become responsible.

Q: Name a place you would like to visit, and why?

A: I would like to go to Egypt to see the pyramids or to Zanzibar to get the organic feel of the coastal history and culture.

Q: Why do you engage in development?

A: I hate to see oppression and discrimination. Some people have told me that I have the potential of being an activist, but I don’t like conflict, I prefer diplomacy.

Q: Mention a good book/film you will recommend others to read/see?

A: That must be the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is a tale about life in general – how easy it can be if we just take things as they come and do the right thing at the right time, always looking forward and never back. Live and learn.

Zainabu is the layouter of Partner News