Closing A Chapter, Opening A New One: Handing Over The Advertising Standards Committee (ASC) Chair After 12 Years of Service.

This morning, the 22nd of April 2025, we gathered for an in-person meeting of the Advertising Standards Committee (ASC) at the Capital Club in Nairobi. It was no ordinary meeting — it marked the formal handover of the Chair role of the ASC from myself to Carol Wanyama of Royal Media Services, who assumed the position earlier this month.

It was a bittersweet moment for me. Having served as Chair of the ASC since February 2013, this transition brought to a close a remarkable 12-year chapter in my professional marketing journey. I was appointed to the role by Joe Otin, the current Chair of the Advertising Standards Board of Kenya (ASBK), and his steadfast trust and support throughout the years has been both humbling and energizing. Thank you, Joe — for everything.

Although I have officially stepped down from the Chair, I’m pleased to share that I will continue to serve on the Committee as a member, contributing where I can as the ASC enters its next chapter under Carol’s leadership.

What The ASC Does — And Why It Matters

For those unfamiliar with the ASC, it plays a pivotal role in self-regulating Kenya’s advertising industry. Operating under the Code of Advertising Practice (CAP), the Committee is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and ruling on complaints relating to advertising and direct marketing. These complaints come from consumers, competitors, agencies, and various industry bodies.

The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that advertising in Kenya remains truthful, decent, honest, and socially responsible. Over the years, the Committee has deliberated on numerous cases — sometimes complex, often contentious, but always with professionalism, impartiality, and a deep sense of duty to the public and the industry we serve.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a Committee. The ASC’s rulings have helped shape better standards, prevent misleading messaging, and foster accountability in a landscape where trust and credibility matter more than ever.

A New Era Begins

At the Capital Club meeting, we also had the pleasure of welcoming two of our newest ASC members — Mark Mwawaka of Ogilvy Kenya and Cathy Nyagah of The Collective — both seasoned and respected marketers who bring fresh energy and perspective to the Committee. It was their first in-person meeting since being appointed, and I’m confident they will play a big role in shaping the ASC’s future.

We were also joined by Jeff Njaungiri from TripleOKLaw, who now plays a more active role in advising the Committee on legal matters. Jeff was recently assigned by Brian Muindi, our longstanding legal advisor, to represent TripleOKLaw in a more involved capacity to ensure timely and efficient handling of legal issues as the ASC continues to grow in complexity and scope. I want to take a moment to thank Brian for his ongoing support and commitment to the Committee — his institutional knowledge and legal guidance have been invaluable over the years.

Also present was Shannah Mahihu of One Smart Star Kenya, a longstanding and highly valued member of the ASC whose insights and clarity of thought continue to be a tremendous asset.

And then — there was the book.

As a parting gift, the Committee presented me with a signed copy of Shoe Dog, the iconic memoir by Nike Co-founder Phil Knight. Each person in attendance had written a personal note inside. I was touched. Deeply. It’s one of those moments I’ll hold onto for a long time — not just because of the book itself, but because of the thoughtfulness behind it.

Gratitude & Looking Ahead

Twelve years is a long time to lead anything — let alone a Committee with the weighty task of maintaining the standards and integrity of advertising across a country. But it never felt like work. It felt like purpose.

To all the Committee members I’ve served with over the years, past and present: thank you. Your dedication and insights have been nothing short of inspiring.

To Carol — congratulations once again. The ASC is in safe and steady hands. I have no doubt you will lead with the same grace, fairness, and vision that has always defined your contributions.

As I transition into the role of immediate past Chair, I look forward to supporting the ASC in new ways, while cheering from the sidelines as the next generation of leadership continues to elevate advertising standards in Kenya.

Here’s to what’s next.