Gilda Odera – Truly a Kenyan Star

The noise level is rising in Kasarani Gymnasium at the Moi International Sports Center. Almost 3000 school children and their teachers are filling the stadium for the Kiwi Arts and Crafts Competition awards ceremony, the competition attracting entries from all over Kenya. The arts and crafts project is run by Gilda Odera, a GenerationKenya nominee. Gilda is pleased that in 2009, the competitions’ 14th year, over 70,000 entries have been received. It is a fantastic opportunity for children to express their creativity and skills, explore careers in art in the future as well as being an incentive for them from a young age to believe that hard work and effort pay off. Initially started as just an art competition, it now includes crafts as well, enabling all children in Kenya to take part and be creative using different types of media and material even if they can’t afford conventional art supplies. The attendance today is a tribute to her success.

Gilda Odera was born and raised in Nairobi. She started her education at the Kilimani Primary School followed by State House Secondary School and then the University of Nairobi. She started her career by working with Marketing and Support Services Limited for a number of years where she was involved in branding and brand management. At this point she came up with the idea for the Kiwi Art Competition for primary school children throughout Kenya. She currently works in the I.T sector, having made the move from marketing. She claims “It wasn’t easy penetrating the market; you just need to have an open mind, be willing learn and work extremely hard.” What helped her was her vision, people skills and an amazing team of technical staff who work well together. “Nothing is impossible; just believe you can do it,” is one of Gilda’s mottos.

Gilda Odera wants the youth to believe that they are capable of achieving their goals no matter how big or small. She especially encourages young people to become entrepreneurs and help solve the youth unemployment problem. “Kenyan youth need to start thinking about change and creating a better future for themselves. Realize that they are capable and that there are limitless possibilities for them. They can make a difference.” The strongest positive influences she had growing up were her parents, instilling strong work ethics as well as religious values in Gilda and her siblings from a very young age, pushing them to work hard and believe that they could achieve anything. “Start something, follow it through and believe in it…” she adds. In addition to her role as C.E.O. of her own IT firm and director of the art competition, she raises a family and mentors University of Nairobi students who seek her out for advice and support.

Gilda’s final advice: “Follow your passion. Do what you love, see it through, and be true to your heart.” Gilda Odera is truly a GenerationKenya star.

Story by Nilofer Elias and Jerry Riley