Earlier this year, Kenya’s fuel industry found itself under an unexpected spotlight when influencer Tanuki Kim ignited a storm online by questioning the quality of petrol sold at local stations. His bold call-out didn’t just trend, it exploded, fueling heated conversations on Twitter, TikTok, and WhatsApp groups. Motorists swapped stories, dissected fuel brands, and fired off tough questions: Are we really getting value for our money? Which stations deserve our trust, and which ones should we steer clear of?

For the public, it was a consumer uproar. But for Public Relations and Communication students, and the professionals watching closely. It was a masterclass unfolding in real time. Every press statement, every corporate silence, became a case study in crisis communication, reputation management, and the razor-thin balance of trust in today’s digital age.

At the PR Week hosted by Aga Khan University, three first-year Communications (BAC) students from Strathmore University: Jerop Kosgey, Maria Kamau, and Wisdom Koitaa, got a rare chance to step into the shoes of PR professionals. Their challenge? Revisit that viral moment and, under intense time pressure, craft a crisis communication plan for a company caught in the crossfire.

For them, it was no ordinary assignment: it was their very first time stepping out to represent Strathmore in a competition. Fresh on campus as undergraduates, it felt like being thrown straight into the deep end. The moment carried the weight of a dream finally within reach. To make it even more meaningful, they had been handpicked and recommended by Dr. Esther King’ori, a vote of confidence that felt like both an honor and a challenge to live up to. With her guidance behind them, knowledge sharpened in the classroom, and a spark of determination in their eyes, the trio walked in knowing they had all it takes. This was their moment, and they were not about to let it slip away.

At the event

At first, they didn’t realize they were up against seniors from other institutions. But once that sank in, the competition felt heavier, the stakes higher. It was no longer just about presenting ideas: it became a test of courage, of whether the confidence they had built through countless classroom presentations, guided by their lecturer’s steady encouragement, could hold up on a bigger stage.

“How do we come up with a realistic yet creative strategy to protect a company’s reputation?” The question loomed large.

Teamwork quickly became their strongest ally. They proved that three heads were far better than one. Maria, already experienced in research as a Diploma in International Relations (DIR) graduate, guided them on how to gather and analyze information effectively. Jerop and Wisdom brought their strengths in presenting and structuring ideas. Together, they divided tasks, took on different sections, conducted research, and shared insights, burning the midnight oil on virtual calls when meeting physically was a challenge. They built their strategy step by step, using real-life examples and scenarios to see what worked and what could be adapted. And through it all, Dr. King’ori was never far, dropping nuggets of wisdom, offering encouragement, and helping them stay focused.

Students Reflect

One of their highlights was meeting seasoned professionals from the industry. It was like catching a glimpse of their own future, walking in the footsteps of those who had once stood where they were now. It wasn’t just inspiring; it was grounding. The experience pushed them to weave together the theory they had picked up in class with the raw lessons of real-world practice. Every conversation, every piece of feedback, felt like a step closer to the careers they dream of pursuing. 

“Funny thing, I wasn’t interested in public relations at first, but now I’m genuinely excited to pursue it as a career,” said Jerop. Maria shared a similar sentiment, agreeing that the experience had sparked a new passion and curiosity within her. “We wanted to put what we’ve learned into practice and push ourselves beyond the classroom. It was a chance to grow, meet fellow students, and learn firsthand from experts in the field.”

Wisdom reflected on how their coursework had prepared them for the challenge: “The class exercises helped us structure our ideas, while teamwork drills trained us to think quickly under pressure. Even the small presentations we’ve done in class contributed, building the confidence to stand in front of judges and deliver our best. All those lessons came together here.”

Would they do it again and take on another PR challenge? “Yes!” they said in unison, Though the experience had been hectic and stressful, it had been far more than a test. A hands-on, practical lesson that brought to life everything they had learned in class.

With beaming smiles, they celebrate taking home second place position in the challenge. For them, it’s just the beginning of their academic journey. An incredible start, an early glimpse and taste of what the future could hold and a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unforgettable experiences.

Their advice to you:

Opportunities like the ones they faced don’t always come around twice. For them, this competition was their very first, and they seized it fully. Their message is simple: go for it. Don’t let fear, nerves, or the pressure of competition hold you back. Prepare, trust your skills, and you’ll grow tremendously from the experience.

Another vital lesson was adaptability. As first-year students stepping into an entirely new environment, they had to adjust quickly, face challenges head-on, and make the most of every moment. Their experience proves that flexibility and a willingness to embrace the unknown are just as important as preparation and skill.

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau