Skunkworks, Swift Global & Building Kenya’s Internet - Michuki Mwangi | Coffee Pump (E095)

Skunkworks, Swift Global & Building Kenya’s Internet - Michuki Mwangi | Coffee Pump (E095)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E095, I sit down with Michuki Mwangi, one of the key figures behind the growth of Kenya’s internet ecosystem and connectivity industry. From the early dial-up days to KIXP, KeNIC, AFNOG, and internet policy development across Africa, this was a masterclass on how the internet in Kenya was actually built. We talk about: - The early days of computers, dial-up internet, and fax-over-IP - Working at Swift Global during Kenya’s internet infancy - The Y2K bug and the chaos surrounding it - Building and scaling Kenya’s ISP ecosystem - The creation of KIXP and why local internet exchange mattered - DNS, KeNIC, and bringing .ke domains back to Kenya - Internet policy, regulators, and infrastructure development - Community building within Africa’s tech ecosystem - The future of internet connectivity and untapped African markets We also get into burnout, self-learning, tech culture in the 90s, and the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing in building industries from scratch. And much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Our Sponsors: ANDO - Download the Ando app: https://linktr.ee/ando_foods - Get 10% off your order using the code COFFEEPUMP10 Camera's Africa - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_/ Find Michuki Mwangi: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michuki.mwangi - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michuki-mwangi-466a583/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michuki_mwangi/ - ISOC Pulse: https://pulse.internetsociety.org/en/ Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/sajidvayani?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sajvayani?_t=ZM-8tKwY3KSEon&_r=1 - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sajidvayani - Twitter / X: https://x.com/sajvayani?s=21 Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684

AI Journalists, BBLs & Office Bullies - Nimrat Kaur | Coffee Pump (E094)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E094, I sit down with Nimrat Kaur, radio presenter, media personality, and communications professional,for, for a conversation covering media, journalism, fitness culture, beauty trends, politics, and life in Kenya. We talk about: - Her journey into journalism and radio - Working at East FM and the realities of commercial radio - Being bullied early in her media career - ChatGPT content creators and AI-generated scripts - Cortisol, PCOS, Ozempic, steroids, peptides, and fitness culture - Lip fillers, BBLs, veneers, tattoos, and beauty standards We also get into gym culture, dating, podcasts replacing traditional media, Kenyan ISPs, gyms, and way too many side quests. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Find Nimrat: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimrat.c/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimrat-kaur-867ba6162/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nimrat23 - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nimrat.c Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/sajidvayani?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sajvayani?_t=ZM-8tKwY3KSEon&_r=1 - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sajidvayani - Twitter / X: https://x.com/sajvayani?s=21 Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684 Disclaimer: The content of The Coffee Pump Podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coffee Pump Podcast, its affiliates, or any associated entities. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be construed as professional advice in any field, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or business matters. Any statements made about businesses, products, or individuals are based on personal experiences and opinions and are not meant to be taken as fact or a definitive review. The Coffee Pump Podcast does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or consequences of using the information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions, conduct their own research, and seek professional guidance where appropriate. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any actions or decisions made based on the content provided.

Book Recommendations, Lamu & Escaping The 9-5 - Kimani Ngugi / Nyumba Ya King | Coffee Pump (E093)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E093, I sit down with Kimani Ngugi (known in the social media landscape as Nyumba Ya King), CEO of Kijani Boda. We cover quite a lot in this conversation including book reccomendations, business, travel, weed, existential crises, and trying to figure life out as a young entrepreneur in Kenya. We talk about: - Surviving boarding school hazing - Book reading culture and the books that changed our lives - Studying IT, networking, and working in tech - Realising the 9-5 employment was a trap - Kimani's outer body experience travelling to Lamu and why it completely changed his perspective - China, Alibaba businesses, importing products, and entrepreneurship in Kenya - Weed, existential crises, rehab, and rebuilding discipline - Building Kijani Boda and the realities of start-ups in Kenya We also get into Meru culture, hidden gems in Lamu, travel, relationships, gaming, podcasts, and the struggle of balancing ambition with peace of mind, and much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Our Sponsors: ANDO - Download the Ando app: https://linktr.ee/ando_foods - Get 10% off your order using the code COFFEEPUMP10 Camera's Africa - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_/ Find Kimani Ngugi: - Kijani Boda: https://kijaniboda.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimani-ngugi-b9420617b/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyumbayaking/ Rhino River Camp, Meru: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WCyUXjb3bJVhNR9D6?g_st=aw Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/sajidvayani?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sajvayani?_t=ZM-8tKwY3KSEon&_r=1 - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sajidvayani - Twitter / X: https://x.com/sajvayani?s=21 Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684

Meru, Miraa & US Visas - Bob Mwiti | Coffee Pump (E092)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E092, I sit down with Bob Mwiti for a crazy life story. From growing up in Meru without shoes, TV, or school fees, to discovering his biological father as a teenager who changed Bob’s life overnight from rags to riches, and eventually building a life in America. We talk about: * Growing up poor in Meru * School fees struggles and almost missing exams * Meeting his biological father for the first time * UK visa denials and navigating immigration systems * UON, Strathmore, and moving to the US for school * Culture shock and adapting to American life * Family conflict, identity, and escaping difficult environments * The differences between Kenya and America * Building a business and life abroad We also get into Meru culture, miraa being illegal in the US, Kenyan politics, relationships with parents, and the emotional realities of growing up between different worlds, and much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Our Sponsors: ANDO - Download the Ando app: https://linktr.ee/ando_foods - Get 10% off your order using the code COFFEEPUMP10 Camera's Africa - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_/ Find Bob Mwiti: - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmwiti/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobmwiti2019/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monajamwenyewe/ - Move to the USA: https://www.internationalscholarsprogram.com - Bob's foundation: https://bobmwitifoundation.org/about-us Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/sajidvayani?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sajvayani?_t=ZM-8tKwY3KSEon&_r=1 - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sajidvayani - Twitter / X: https://x.com/sajvayani?s=21 Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684

Historiography, Mos Def & "KALCHA Yetu" - MONAJA | Coffee Pump (E091)

Konnichiwa Fam, On this episode, I sit down with Monaja, a Kenyan rapper, historian, and cultural commentator whose work blends music, politics, and African identity. Monaja isn’t your typical artist. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in History from the University of Nairobi, and experience as a lecturer and editor, he brings a deeper, more analytical lens into music. His sound, which he calls Tema-Imba, blends rap and singing while tackling real issues like inequality, culture, spirituality, and power. We get into: - His journey from studying history to becoming a recording artist - The idea behind Tema-Imba and using music as storytelling - Racism, power dynamics, and economic inequality in Kenya - African spirituality vs colonial influence and religion - Identity, culture, and what it means to be African today - Education systems, real-world skills, and making money vs impact - The role of artists in challenging society and pushing ideas And much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Our Sponsors: ANDO - Download the Ando app: https://linktr.ee/ando_foods - Get 10% off your order using the code COFFEEPUMP10 Camera's Africa - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_/ Find Monaja: - Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Monajamwenyewe?si=lxbbwEYZNzdbq6g0 - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Monajamwenyewe/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monajamwenyewe/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vTBWhOXlFFp7Rh5c0GRsD?si=TWEnEnfdRwS4BnFfr0ay-g - Ukombozi Review Journal: https://ukombozireview.com Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/sajidvayani?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sajvayani?_t=ZM-8tKwY3KSEon&_r=1 - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sajidvayani - Twitter / X: https://x.com/sajvayani?s=21 Find Fazzar: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fazzywazzy7/ Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684 Disclaimer: The content of The Coffee Pump Podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coffee Pump Podcast, its affiliates, or any associated entities. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be construed as professional advice in any field, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or business matters. Any statements made about businesses, products, or individuals are based on personal experiences and opinions and are not meant to be taken as fact or a definitive review. The Coffee Pump Podcast does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or consequences of using the information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions, conduct their own research, and seek professional guidance where appropriate. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any actions or decisions made based on the content provided.