The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Mike Strano is the CEO of PHAT Music and Entertainment Limited. The music entrepreneur, originally from Australia, spoke to Cate Mukei.
I first came to Nairobi in October 1997. I can’t really remember much on my arrival but what really shocked me was the poverty levels.
I also remember that the temperatures were quite hot, yet people were dressed in suits and ties. That was very interesting. Where I come from in Australia, we are a casual society because our weather is similar to the coastal region of Kenya.
I was also shocked to see that there were coffins for sale on the roadsides. It was the height of Aids epidemic.
One of the most unforgettable incidences was when I was almost conned. I was having lunch at Wimpy along Kenyatta Avenue when I bumped into someone who pretended to know me.
I really felt guilty because I could not remember him and he somehow ended up in my car. Luckily I realised that he was depending on the information I was feeding him to make up more stories.
