The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) opened the year 2026 on a high note by hosting a two-day Personal Branding and Self-Mastery Programme on 8th and 9th January, in collaboration with the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). The programme brought together 20 emerging filmmakers and storytellers from across Africa, culminating in a graduation ceremony.

Opening the programme, Dr. Mukami Njoroge, Academic Director for Common Courses and Examinations at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, welcomed the participants and reminded them that personal excellence begins with character.

Dr. Stephen Macharia, the facilitator and Head of the Writing Centre, reminded the participants that character rules intellect. “In the days of the emperors, men of character ruled men of intellect. You need to be persons of virtue and integrity,” he said, urging the cohort to ground their talents in strong moral values.

Ms. Victoria Goro, director of the East Africa Academy at the MultiChoice Talent Factory, spoke on the power of storytelling and identity. “You are the storytellers who will push African stories to the world. Stories that move, challenge, and change how the world sees us. To do this, you must first understand yourselves,” she said. The growing partnership between Strathmore University and MTF, Goro said, was aimed at securing the future of African storytellers through platforms that nurture both skill and character.

Leading the sessions on Discovering Myself and My Purpose and Mission, Dr. Josephine Mikui emphasized self-awareness as the foundation of leadership and excellence. “Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge and understanding of one’s character. It is the most important step towards becoming a champion,” she said. She guided participants to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, personality, background, and the influence of nature and nurture, reminding them that “confidence is a virtue that grows when you know who you are and what you stand for.”

In the Storytelling and Crafting a Personal Brand session, Mr. Ian Wairua challenged participants to see personal branding as a daily practice.“The way you reply to your emails, how you relate with colleagues, how you show up: this is your personal brand,” he said. He encouraged authenticity, noting: “You must have a brand that is true to you, not just to your job. There is something unique about each of you. Everybody has a story; learn to tell yours.”

On the second day, Mr. Wairua explored Teamwork and Cross-Generational Collaboration, drawing on generational theory to explain differences in mindset and work style. Generational theory holds that people born in the same historical period share formative experiences that shape their values, attitudes, and behaviors in similar ways over time. “Depending on the generation you were born into, you will behave and think differently. Understanding this helps us work better together,” he explained.

During the Road Map to Success session, he emphasized the importance of deliberate choice and innovation. “Our future depends on the choices we make. Take the path less travelled. That is where innovation lies. The ladder is disappearing; today, people are concerned with what you can do, not just the titles you hold,” he added. He introduced a five-step personal branding roadmap: assessing where you are, defining your niche, mapping your goals, building a plan, and continuously adjusting your strategy.

Concluding with Living My Values and Goal-Setting, Dr. Mikui urged participants to align their ambitions with their principles. “You cannot separate who you are from what you do. Your values must guide your decisions, your goals, and your leadership,” she affirmed.

The programme closed with a reflective session where participants considered their next steps and the practical application of the lessons learned, before proceeding to a graduation ceremony.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Magdalene Dimba, reaffirmed Strathmore University’s commitment to holistic formation. “At Strathmore, we focus on the human person. You cannot give what you do not have. First work on yourself, then you will be able to serve society,” she said. Addressing the cohort as storytellers, she said: “Understanding your authentic self, including your values, your beliefs, your purpose, will shape the stories you tell and the impact they will have on the world. Go out and create with integrity, and let your work make a difference.”

Article Written by Nekesa Teresa