A new digital marketplace has been unveiled to reshape how Kenyan content creators interact with brands, offering them direct access to projects and guaranteed payments through a transparent and automated system.

Known as ZAUMU, the end-to-end influencer campaign management platform is set to tackle longstanding challenges that have limited creators' ability to earn sustainably from digital campaigns.

At the centre of this innovation is a bold attempt to cut out middlemen, plug inefficiencies, and resolve trust issues between brands and creators.

The platform allows influencers and content creators to register freely, apply for jobs posted by brands, negotiate terms, and receive payments directly via a milestone-based system—all from a single dashboard.

According to Zaumu co-founder Cedric Nzomo, a significant number of digital projects are abandoned before reaching execution, despite brands increasing their budgets for digital marketing.

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"Brands subject projects and campaigns to a long process before they can go live. While they see the importance of digital marketing, there is a trust deficit due to improper measurement tools and the lack of transparency between brands and creators during content creation," Nzomo.

"As a result, it is easier for them to spend on traditional marketing. Statistically speaking, the 200 billboards between Waiyaki Way and the Nairobi CBD made more money in 2024 than all the content creators across different platforms in Kenya."


Statista estimates that Kenya spent over Sh320 million on influencer marketing in 2024, yet this falls far short of the Sh3.2 billion potential that remains untapped.

This gap, according to the Zaumu team, is caused by systemic inefficiencies such as poor matching between brands and influencers, inconsistent contract terms, and low levels of trust.

The current model heavily depends on third-party brokers and trends that do not always align with brand values.

As a result, brands are often left with underwhelming results while creators are left chasing payments or working below value. Nzomo explained that Zaumu’s approach would be different.

"Brands are often not able to vet creators who suit or align with their values, while creators are forced to take on any job to ensure they survive," Nzomo stated.

"We are looking to bridge the gap between creators and brands. Zaumu is a creator-focused, AI-driven digital marketplace tailored to meet the needs of Africa’s digital economy."

Among the platform’s core offerings is a transparent job listing system with pre-deposited budgets, automated reporting tools for real-time campaign tracking, direct communication channels between brands and creators, and milestone-based contracting.

It also provides creators with control over their image rights, usage terms, and payment timelines, while integrating AI tools for brainstorming and campaign support.

Both creators and brands will be able to rate and review each other on the platform, building a reputation-based ecosystem grounded in accountability and mutual respect.

“The digital economy holds diverse opportunities for wealth and job creation. Among Gen Zs and Millennials, content creation is an easy stepping stone to tap into this opportunity. According to Odipodev, 76 per cent of Gen Zs aspire to become professional content creators," Nzomo added.

"The beauty of content creation is that you can monetize what you’re already doing. The challenge has been access, transparency & and efficiency, finding a connection to brands and projects. Zaumu has been created to help you overcome these challenges.”

ZAUMU is now live and accessible through https://zaumu.com, allowing local creators to sign up and begin building their portfolios directly on the platform.