Cafe Construct Podcast

SN 03 EP 03  with Arch. Moses Kimani, Founder and Creative Director of Anwani Architects & Development Planners Being trained in Kenya is sometimes succeeded by practicing outside the country. In this episode Arch. Kimani shares his experience working in South Africa for several years. Addressing what it took for him to get there , adapt, grow and the opportunities and challenges rel...

SN 03 EP 02  with Nancy Thinwa a Plant Operator,  Model and Fashion Entrepreneur From pampering to necessary roughness, our guest, Nancy, dabbles in a bustling modelling career on one end as well as operating  powerful Construction equipment and machinery on the other end as a Plant Operator. Her favourite machines being the grader and rollers, join us as we delve into the jugg...

SN 03 EP 01 with José Maria, a Talent Development Advisor at Medair and Co-founder & Director of Qreed Consulting Group. These days organisations are looking for three-dimensional characters who positively contribute to the company culture and are enjoyable to work with.  How can we begin to communicate our vision, skillset, and personality in a way that strategically aligns with the comp...

S3 EP00 with Brenda Amondi,  Nyambura Kariuki, Whitney Ogutu and  Kerubo Karanja- THE CAFÉ CONSTRUCT TEAM Listen in to find out what we have in store for you in Season 03. ________ OUR SOCIALS Check out our WEBSITE . Join the CaCo FACEBOOK community: Follow our INSTAGRAM . Read our TWEETS . ________ Have a Cup on Us.

Where did the time go? The end of Season 02 is here!!! and we thought it would be great to wrap it up with a conversation amongst the Cafe Construct team. This episode has deep conversations combined with the lightness and good fun of the team. You will also get to know  what it has been like to run the podcast so far, our individual growth against that of the podcast and some of the future c...

SN 02 EP 20 with Catherine Wathika a Project Manager.  It is often implied, in the construction industry, that having a woman in the team is limiting. What does it take to change this narrative? Our guest , a project manager in Nairobi, Kenya gives us a brief look into her work life . Discussing issues such as gender-related discrimination and the associated challenges  controlling the s...

SN 02 EP 19 with Ranee Nanji, co-CEO of Tilisi Developments Ltd. From the known to the unknown, my guest jumped into the real estate sector and learnt from experience.  Join in as they explore the influence to a semi rural area through an urban development that speaks to the changes the real estate development sector can have.  Moreover, look out for a tidbit on how to sweeten the pot fo...

S2 EP18 with Nyagaki Gichia-an Engineer & Tech Educator and Peninah Ndegwa-a Transportation planner and the founder of Wowmomkenya. Nanny Cams?  Home-schooling?  Stay-at-home Parenting?  Do any of these topics ever cross your mind? In Part 02, Brenda continues the conversation with a Transportation Planner (mom of one) and an Engineer (mom of four) about their personal parenting...

SN 02 EP 17 with Whitney Ogutu and Brenda Amondi discussing anonymous stories shared by our Employed and Self employed listeners. Are you mentally healthy or is stress  affecting your job performance and productivity? For this episode, Whitney gets into a topic rarely discussed, that she is extremely passionate about-Mental health. Sharing  stories submitted by guests anonymously on how...

SN 02 EP 16 with Eng. Mercy Mugure, the Principal Engineer and Managing Director of EngPlan Consulting Engineers. Starting your own Practice is one of the most challenging directions you can take in your career however, when things fall into place it can definitely be the most rewarding. This episode's guest took up this challenge 15 years ago, passionate about her professional capabilities and re...

SN 02 EP 15 with Amman Karim, co-creator of Ident Limited. Personal brand- Karim CG Visuals. Do you have dreams of specialising in Architectural Visualisation and making a business out of it?  In this episode, Amman Karim  shares with us the associated challenges and wins of self-employment with his partner Billy Fanuel. He takes us through their journey from the College days, getting th...

SN 02 EP 14- ANONYMOUS SHOW Is foreign education better than local education? Is it easier to work with a local team or an international one? What misconceptions do we have about our local skills as compared to that of the international community? This episode's guest has had several opportunities to collaborate with locals and foreigners both within and outside of Kenya starting from school throu...

SN 02 EP 13 with Kimari Ndonye and Joseph Ntimama, Co-founders of Botbuilt Construction Limited Are you thinking of starting your own Construction Company?  Join Whitney as she gets into a candid discussion with two buddies and business partners on how they resigned from their 9-5 jobs to start a shared life long dream of co-owning their construction business and how they are faring thre...

SN 02 EP 12 with Samuel Mburu, Principal Consultant for KREIS Spatial Planning and Consulting Associated Don't be fooled that all fathers use their paternity leave to take care of their side hustles. For the committed partners or single fathers, the first few weeks are just as demanding yet beautiful. From changing diapers, propping pillows for the mother to breastfeed, nursing the umbilical cord,...

SN 02 EP 11 with Godwin Njoroge, co-creator of Lab Oculus. It's not easy to start a business in the world of Construction, it's even harder to stay in business. In this episode, we have a candid conversation about entrepreneurship. Listening to your gut, accepting yourself and carving your own path while  embracing the related discomfort and learning new skills as a person to work through it...

S2 EP 10 with the CaCo (Cafe Construct) team With lovely tidbits from season 01 join Nyambura Kariuki as she hosts the ladies in a wonderful random question and answer session borrowed from our first season.  Learn how we've aged and also check out how we answered the same questions in season 01 together with our guests. Happy Listening. ________ GUEST INFO: - ________ OUR SOCIALS Check out o...

S2 EP09 with Catherine Kadzo and Nancy Achieng Join Whitney as she gets into a candid discussion with two former practising Interior Designers on what made them leave the industry... and if their change in career is temporary or permanent. It's their story, not necessarily yours but a reminder that you might not always end up where you thought you were headed, but you always end up where you are m...

S2 EP08 with Elizabeth Ondula and Eunice Nthambi When you consider pursuing higher learning, no doubt the first thing that comes to mind is how to finance the course. The additional dynamic of studying abroad can especially be an overwhelming one. In this episode, we try to help you figure it out, at least a part of it. We delve into the available resources, required qualifications, funding option...

S2 EP07 with QS Diana Mumbua Deciding to start your own firm requires a major shift in priorities and mindset. You take on an additional set of responsibilities that can get overwhelming especially without the proper systems and structures in place from the start.  Join our discussion on the several aspects involved in this life-changing transition from employment to entrepreneurship. Happy L...

S2 EP06 with Michael Mathenge Fire is one of the most common disasters in Kenya, but it doesn't have to be fatal.  Do you know what to do? Join me and my guest Michael Mathenge, a registered Architect in Nairobi, Kenya and currently specialises in fire systems design in MULLARD FIRE PROTECTION as we discuss fire prevention and preparedness in the residential realm. Join our discussion. ______...

S2 EP05 with Stephen Ndele.  No job too big; no job too small, Stephen is on the road to software engineering but a small detour led him to becoming a construction worker. We talk about this phase of his life and its outcome together with the associated challenges and lessons learnt from 'kazi ya mjengo'.  Join our discussion. ________ OUR SOCIALS .Join the CaCo FACEBOOK community: https...

S2 EP04 with Nyagaki Gichia-an Engineer & Tech Educator and Peninah Ndegwa-a Transportation planner and the founder of Wowmomkenya. There's so much to consider when it comes to juggling motherhood and workplace duties. How do you approach the challenges of being a new mom and especially the transition back to the office post-baby? Does work-life balance truly exist? What is the impact of your...

S2 EP02 special edition with BOTBUILT CONSTRUCTION LIMITED To our listeners who are not in the construction industry and would like to familiarise themselves with what it takes to build your own home, this episode is especially for you. Happy Listening ________ OUR SOCIALS .Join the CaCo FACEBOOK community: https://www.facebook.com/cafeconstruct-114077163717924 Follow our INSTAGRAM!: https://www.i...

S2 EP03 with two young professionals in the world of Quantity Survey. There's school... then there's the real professional environment.  What are the real life challenges and mistakes made by the young professional Quantity Surveyor?  Let's have a real conversation about this. ________ OUR SOCIALS .Join the CaCo FACEBOOK community: https://www.facebook.com/cafeconstruct-114077163717924 F...

S2 EP01 with Arch. Martin Tairo of Architecture Kenya Design Workshop and Buildesign magazine Ever thought about the world of writing and publishing in Architecture? Join Nyambura Kariuki as she delves into this area with the mastermind behind Buildesign magazine. He let's us in on his journey to now including an interesting publication project he has been a part of for the past four/five years. L...