Raila Odinga Junior, son to ODM leader Raila Odinga has admitted to struggles occasioned by bearing his father's name. The 41-year-old disclosed that despite the name enabling him to seize several business opportunities, it was always difficult to convince investors to partner with him.
"There's a myth that being the son of a prominent personality makes things a lot easier, which is more of a double-edged sword. Yes, it does and no it doesn't.
"Yes in the perspective that I might be able to meet a CEO and no in terms of the CEO believing that I can do what I purport to do. You then have to work harder to prove your worth," he stated in an interview with the Standard on Friday, June 26.
Raila Junior who chose not to follow in the footsteps of his father, decided to start a media company as a business that would inject fresh economy endeavours in the family that is majorly known for Opposition politics in Kenya.
"I am the founder and CEO of Creative Hub Limited, a media production company that has been in operation since 2012. I was introduced to it by music producer Tedd Josiah who taught me what production work and music entail.
"Prior to the 2012 election campaigns, there was equipment which was purchased and was later left to lie idle after the campaign period ended. We decided to make a business venture out of the facilities available," Raila Junior revealed how he launched his firm.
At his firm, he has employed a small team of producers who work on a project by project basis as they outsource equipment and crew after landing a production deal. This helps the firm to manage its cash flow at times when we projects are scarce.
He also incorporates foreign directors who teach his crew how to undertake production duties with international standards.
"The biggest challenge I have faced was in 2015 when one particular financial institution that saved our money shut down. This posed a huge challenge for us as a cash business. We learnt to spread risks across different financial institutions to mitigate certain challenges.
"The greatest lesson I have so far learnt is that you will always have opportunities come your way but you have to position yourself in the right places. It will be easier if you set up yourself and be ready for them. Its all about being ready and fast," he advised.
