Today was a BIG deal for me. For the first time ever, I took on the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC) at a proper, hybrid industry event — the Kenya Open Finance Industry Workshop hosted by the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), in partnership with FSD Kenya and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).

Now, to be clear — I’ve done my fair share of moderating panels, speaking at events, and hosting webinars. But being the MC? That’s a whole different ball game. It’s a role I’ve always admired — especially watching elite technology event MCs like Mbugua Njihia and Ian Muiruri spin their magic, keeping events flowing and audiences plugged in — while making it all look effortless.

So, when my good friend Ali Hussein Kassim from AFIK called me just over a week ago — challenged me actually — to step in after a couple of last-minute cancellations, let’s just say… I’ve been sweating bullets ever since! Because in my mind, MCs are the superglue that holds an event together — the ones who make sure the wheels don’t come off, even when the program is rolling at 100 miles an hour.

Well… today, somehow, I did it. And truth be told, I’m stoked! Not just because I survived, but because folks came up to me during and after the event with genuine compliments — from how I ran the show, kept the energy up, and most importantly — kept everything running on time. That last bit? Massive win!

Reflecting on the experience — here’s what I learned (while it’s still fresh):

1. Situational awareness is EVERYTHING — You’re reading the room, the flow, the energy, and making decisions in real time. Things can change in a split second. Chaos behind the scenes is almost guaranteed.
2. Everything is in flux — Panelists arrive late. Schedules shift. Equipment freezes. Murphy’s Law is real. It’s like conducting a symphony that keeps changing tempo — and you have to dance with it.
3. Physical stamina matters — I clocked close to 4KM inside that room — going up and down the room, shifting microphones, talking to stakeholders, etc. It’s a workout no one warns you about!
4. Flexibility and responsiveness are non-negotiable — Doing things on the fly isn’t a bonus — it’s the job description.
5. Planning is king — Knowing your script, your flow, your run of show. From safety protocols to keeping time to checking the clock every 5 minutes — being interrupted and interrupting is just part of it.
6. Attitude is everything — Staying positive, being witty, dropping a line or two of humor when needed, finding moments to enrich the conversation on stage — you are literally the engine that keeps the event moving.
7. You’re constantly learning — Every moment brings a new challenge or insight. Assumptions get thrown out. Creativity becomes your lifeline.
8. Hydrate. Seriously. — Water is your best friend.
9. Arrive early — Be the first person on-site. Two, three hours early if you must. Time is the gift that keeps on giving.
10. Be the connector — Interact with stakeholders constantly. Smile. Check-in. Update everyone. You become the trusted advisor — the person everyone looks to for answers, even when you’re making them up on the fly.

And the most important thing I realized?

I’m a work in progress. There’s still a long way to go. But today? I found my feet — and honestly, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out.

The conversations on Open Finance couldn’t have been more timely — giving consumers control over their financial data could unlock more personalized products, deeper financial inclusion, and innovation for millions of Kenyans and SMEs.

So yeah — it’s official. I’m now a freshly minted TechMC (Ian, you see what I did there?). If you ever need someone to run the room, keep the flow, and land the plane on time, you know where to find me.