The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya.

Selam & Hello has partnered with the Australian High Commission as they celebrate 60 years of partnership with Kenya for this special series: Saying the African Part Out Loud! In this final (and wonderfully fun!) episode, Lilly sits down in studio with Nyokabi (Kabi) Kuguru, founder of Mount Kenya Coffee.

With roots in a multigenerational farming family in Nyeri County, Kabi is carrying forward her grandfather's legacy while forging new connections between Kenya and Australia. Armed with two master's degrees from the University of Sydney—in Public Health and Digital Communication and Media—Kabi's path into coffee wasn't the obvious one. But through heritage, passion, and purpose, she is building Mount Kenya Coffee into more than a brand: it's a platform for storytelling, cultural exchange, and community.

In this episode, we explore what gave her the confidence to enter a demanding global coffee market, what she is learning from farmers in Kenya and roasters in Australia, how she defines success, and the beautiful advice her grandfather shared with his grandchildren. Kabi also graced the studio with Mount Kenya Coffee beans, and as she and Lilly enjoy a hot cup, they wrap up with a lively game of kahawa ama chai to discover her true favorite!

Pour yourself a cup and tune in to this warm, insightful conversation about coffee, culture, and connection.

Follow Mount Kenya Coffee:

• Website https://www.mountkenyacoffee.com.au/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mountkenyacoffee_au
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkuguru/

Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya: 

• Website https://kenya.highcommission.gov.au/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AusHCKenya
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aushckenya/
• X https://x.com/aushckenya

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA 
• TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: IR Studios

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya.

In the second episode of the 'Saying the African Part Out Loud' series with the Australian High Commission Kenya, Lilly sits down with Hemanshi Galaiya — Kenyan bioengineer, social entrepreneur, and PhD candidate at the University of Queensland — to explore how science, identity, and purpose intersect.

From her early days as a self-proclaimed "nerd" in Nairobi to earning global recognition as a 2024 finalist for the Global Student Prize, Hemanshi's journey takes us from being the first person in her family to pursue higher education to her current research in biomedical engineering. She shares her thoughts on why representation in science is about more than having "a seat at the table" and her philosophy for creating lasting systemic change.

We also dive into her award-winning social enterprise, Young Stripes, which brings frugal science and hands-on STEM education to children as young as four — breaking down barriers and sparking curiosity in the next generation of Kenyan scientists. Hemanshi offers hard-earned lessons on starting before you're "ready," the art of fearless networking, and scaling social impact sustainably.

Whether you're a young changemaker, an educator, or someone curious about how science can drive equity and environmental sustainability, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and hope.

Follow Young Stripes:

• Website
• Facebook  
• Instagram
• LinkedIn  
• Whatsapp 
• X

Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya: 

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: IR Studios

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya.

To commemorate 60 years of diplomatic partnership between Australia and Kenya, Selam & Hello has partnered with the Australian High Commission for a special three-part series: Saying the African Part Out Loud!

In this inaugural episode, host Lilly Bekele-Piper is joined by Australian-Ethiopian tech entrepreneur Caleb Maru, founder of Tech Safari—Africa's largest tech newsletter and a rapidly growing media, events, and community platform reaching over one million people monthly.

Recorded live at iHub Nairobi with a vibrant crowd at their Creative Community of Practice, the conversation examines the conditions driving successful tech ventures across the continent, whether stronger capital, policy, and/or talent is most needed the Continent's tech ecosystem, the pros and cons of AI's development in our mother tongues and why failure is key to any tech entrepreneur's success. Caleb shares fascinating stories and insights from founders securing major investments, unpacks the pressures of "launching to survive," and offers his forward-looking view of the milestones that will define African tech success in the next 15 years.

This episode offers timely, thought-provoking perspectives on African innovation and how African tech leaders are shaping the industry 'now' and creating what is 'next.' 

Selam & Hello extends its appreciation to the Australian High Commission Kenya for its support in making this series possible.

Special thanks to: iHub Nairobi, Creative Community of Practice, Collins Manaseh, Selina Jamayo, Hesketh Wines and The Wine Box Kenya.

Follow Tech Safari Africa:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X

Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya: 

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Links from the episode: 

• The Diaspora Debate: Should African Professionals Return Home?
• Expatriate As a Service: The streets say you need a white co-founder
• The rise and fall of Africa's first Unicorn
• This table raised over $100M to build Africa's future and its just the beginning 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Voomantics Kenya

In this poignant final episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly sits down with the extraordinary Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin—engineer, mountaineer, and a treasured elder of Nairobi's community. At 90 years old, Ato Nagizy recently climbed Mount Kenya for the 14th time, exemplifying a life lived with purpose and resilience.

Together, they journey through his Ethiopian and Eritrean roots, his groundbreaking path to higher education in Kansas as one of eight students selected by Emperor Haile Selassie, and his time at MIT. They reflect on his impactful career in civil engineering and urban planning with organizations like UNEP and the World Bank, as well as his dedicated work preserving the vernacular architecture of Eritrea. His book Asmara stands as a tribute to the modernist architecture of his beloved city.

From pivotal moments in history across America and Africa to the peaks of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, Ato Nagizy's life is a tapestry of ambition, heritage, and adventure. Lilly and Ato Nagizy delve into his passion for mountain climbing, exploring the lessons learned from scaling some of Africa's highest peaks and the unyielding drive that has defined his remarkable journey.

This episode is a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the mountains—both literal and figurative—that we climb in life.

Buy Asmara by Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin

• The book - amazon.com/Asmara-Modernist-Gebremedhin-published-Publishers/dp/B00EKYS47S 

News and articles about Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin

• Citizen TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6x9FsqKKI 
• Voice of America - https://www.voanews.com/a/eritrean-american-climbs-mount-kenya-/7752654.html 
• The Daily Naton - https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/other-sports/at-90-oldest-man-climbed-mt-kenya-is-not-about-to-stop-4792728#story 

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: IR Production Studio

In this compelling episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly sits down with Robyn Emerson, Chair of Democrats Abroad Kenya, for a candid and insightful discussion on the 2024 U.S. election results. Together, they unpack the ripple effects of the American election on Africa and the diaspora, delving into the emotional and political aftermath of Kamala Harris' loss and what it signifies for communities both within America and abroad.

The conversation takes a hard look at what a Trump presidency could mean for U.S.-Africa relations, the diaspora's role in shaping global narratives, and how Black women continue to stand at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. Tune in for a timely and thought-provoking episode that bridges continents, amplifies voices, and asks the hard questions about our shared future.

Follow Robyn:

• LinkedIn - https://ke.linkedin.com/in/robyntemerson 
• Website - https://about.me/robytnemerson 
• Twitter - https://x.com/austexanywhere?s=21&t=qXfj3Yi02NuEi0ZoxSRd8A 

Book referenced by Robyn:

Musings: Reflections on my journey with cerebral palsy by Zawadi Muraya - https://nuriakenya.com/product/musings-reflections-of-my-journey-with-cerebral-palsy/ 

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: IR Studio

In this reflective year-end episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly and Selam & Hello's Creative Producer, Rahma take a heartfelt journey through the show's most memorable milestones and candidly share the challenges and opportunities that come with sustaining their platform. They delve into the power of personal storytelling, how their guiding pillars of joy and justice shape who they are, and why these core values remain central to the community they've built. Join them as they look ahead to the next chapter of Selam & Hello, exploring fresh possibilities and their hopes for new seasons to come. It's a powerful reminder of where they've been, who they are, and what lies on the horizon.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: IR Production Studio

We are back from our season break to bring you this special and timely conversation. Since June 18, Kenya has been immersed in a political and cultural revolution. This episode features a dynamic conversation with two trailblazers in the world of media and marketing who discuss what it means to be fully present, transparent, and ethical as content creators and brand managers during unprecedented times.

Join Lilly as she sits down with Adelle Onyango, a powerhouse Kenyan media personality, founder of Legally Clueless Africa, and the visionary behind the Adelle Onyango Initiative, and Ryan Majiwa, the mastermind behind digital media and creative strategies at Saracen Marketing Group, whose impressive portfolio includes giants like EABL and Unilever. Tune in to discover how brands and creators can make meaningful, responsible choices, build authentic connections, and make a positive impact in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Follow Adelle:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelleonyango

Twitter: https://x.com/adelleo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelle-onyango

Website: https://www.adelleonyango.com/ | https://www.legallycluelessafrica.com/

Follow Ryan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romaj1

Twitter: https://x.com/romaj1gig

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmajiwa

Follow Selam & Hello:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello

Website: https://www.selamandhello.com/

Email us at:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

https://soundcloud.com/silaspiper

Production by: Sema Box

In part 2 of this special 99th episode, join Lilly and Njoki Munene as they discuss some of their favorite conversations and transformative moments from the show. They dish about what really happens before live shows and the non-negotiables that have to happen before every interview.

Lilly and Njoki talk about the growth process that has come with 99 episodes, what has worked and what hasn't - and the hard and soft life of being a creative. We hope you enjoy the final chapter of our two-part season finale! Thank you for tuning in and for your incredible support of our show. We are grateful.

Episodes Mentioned on this Episode

• Selam & Done: Dennis Ombachi Chops It Up! 
• Being a Woman Shouldn't Be a Death Sentence 
• Gen Z Has Entered the Chat
• Black Queer Beloved
• The Case for Choice
• The Case for Indigenous (Re)Imaginings
• Habibi Al-Sudan 
• We are Making This for Our Children
• Conversation with Class of 2020: Global Students in a Global Pandemic
• Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough: Ending Orphanage Tourism
• Happy New Year with Eliud Kipchoge!
• LIVE! Stories from Kakuma Refugee Camp
• Why Did You Leave?

Follow Lilly:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-bekele-piper

Follow Njoki:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snjokimunene

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Editor & Sound Engineer: Bukachi Akatsa ([email protected])

Tune in for part 1 of a behind-the-scenes peek into the heart and soul of Selam & Hello that you won't want to miss in this special 99th episode of Selam & Hello! Join Creator, Host, and Executive Producer Lilly Bekele-Piper as she swaps roles and sits down with the show's Researcher and Community Manager, Njoki Munene. Get ready for an intimate conversation where they delve into Lilly's transformative journey from Up/Root to Selam & Hello, her bold move from the development sector to media, and the pivotal moments that have shaped the show.

Discover Lilly's unique approach to tackling complex issues with curiosity and compassion, insights gleaned from unforgettable live shows, and her unyielding determination to get Trevor Noah on the show. Plus, get an insider's perspective on what Lilly considers her finest achievements to date in part 1 of our two-part season finale. Enjoy! 

Episodes mentioned in this show:

• Selam & Done: Dennis Ombachi Chops It Up! 
• Being a Woman Shouldn't Be a Death Sentence 
• Gen Z Has Entered the Chat
• Black Queer Beloved
• The Case for Choice
• The Case for Indigenous (Re)Imaginings
• Habibi Al-Sudan 
• We are Making This for Our Children
• Conversation with Class of 2020: Global Students in a Global Pandemic
• Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough: Ending Orphanage Tourism
• Happy New Year with Eliud Kipchoge!
• LIVE! Stories from Kakuma Refugee Camp 
• Why Did You Leave?

Follow Lilly:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-bekele-piper

Follow Njoki:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snjokimunene

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
• Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/ 

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Editor & Sound Engineer: Bukachi Akatsa ([email protected])

Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation with the incredible Adelle Onyango! Adelle is the Founder of Legally Clueless Africa and the Adelle Onyango Initiative, and has quickly become and powerful and important voice in media and advocacy for women and girls. In this episode, Adelle shares her views on politics, her advocacy work as a survivor of sexual violence and her (joyful) hopes for the future!

Follow Adelle:

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Legally Clueless Africa

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Email us at:

• [email protected] 
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Editor & Sound Engineer: Bukachi Akatsa ([email protected])