Interview with Luka Mojola of Bloom Group Africa

1.What are your names?

My name is Luka Bitalo Mojola.

2. Where did you go to school?

I received a diverse education attending various schools. I began my primary education in the

Kenyan system, initially enrolling at Kileleshwa Primary School and later at Visa Oshwal Primary

School. Afterward, I spent a year in Tanzania, where I attended a school following the Scottish

Curriculum. Following that year, I transferred to St. Andrews Turi Preparatory and Secondary

School, which adheres to the British curriculum. Subsequently, I pursued my A-Levels at Hillcrest

Secondary School. For my higher education, I attended De Montfort University in Leicester, UK,

and also studied at Strathmore University and Oshwal College in Nairobi, Kenya.

3. What did you study?

I pursued studies in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences as well as ACCA.

4. Tell us about what you do?

I’m an accountant with a diverse background in pharmaceuticals, auditing, 

advertising, and e-commerce. Currently, I work part-time as an accountant at Mamagas, an online delivery and

fulfillment center for LPG gas and FMCG products in Nairobi. I'm also a Partner at Bloom Group

Africa, a company specializing in project management , business development 

and capacity building for the oil and gas industry in East Africa. Additionally, I'm in the process of launching

Pekee, a brand that designs modern African men's shirts.

5. What are some of the major influences in your past that are determining what you are

doing now?

The major influences in my past that are determining what I am doing now are my parents, my

sister, and Hilu Bura my business partner.

My parents have played an immense role in shaping who I am today. From humble beginnings,

my father's journey of hard work and determination to serve for 40 years in Bible translation

having worked for United Bible Societies to currently being Professor of Philosophy and

Translation Studies at St Paul’s University in Kenya and an Honorary Professor at Pretoria

University in South Africa has been a true inspiration and my mother, a dedicated teacher who

worked in secondary schools in Kenya and Tanzania, imparted a love for learning and the

importance of giving back.

She now serves as a counselor and continues to teach seminars on counseling topics,

Specifically, my parents have taught me the following:

The importance of education: They have always emphasized the importance of getting a

good education, and they have supported me in my academic endeavors. They have taught me

that education is the key to a better future.

• Hard work and perseverance: They have taught me that nothing in life comes easy, and that I

need to work hard and persevere in order to achieve my goals. They have also taught me that I

should never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.

• The importance of faith: My parents are devout Christians, and they have instilled in me the

importance of faith. They have taught me that God will always be with me, and that I can

always turn to Him for strength and guidance.

• Giving back to others: My parents have always been involved in community service, and they

have taught me the importance of giving back to others. They have shown me that it is

important to help those in need, and to make a difference in the world.

My younger sister, Sanyu Mojola, a professor at Princeton University and a Director of the

Office of Population Researchis renowned scholar and advocate for social justice has taught

me the following:

• The importance of dreaming big: She has always encouraged me to dream big and to

never give up on my goals. She has shown me that anything is possible if I set my mind to it.

• The importance of being a role model: She has shown me that it is important to be a role

model for others, and to set a good example. She has also taught me the importance of

being kind and compassionate to others.

• The importance of using my skills and experience to make a difference in the world: She

has inspired me to use my skills and experience to make a difference in the world. She has

shown me that I can make a positive impact on the lives of others.

My colleague Hilu Bura who is the founder of Bloom Group Africa and a fashion designer has

taught me the following:

• The importance of getting out of my comfort zone: She has encouraged me to step outside

of my comfort zone and take risks. She has taught me that the only way to grow is to

challenge myself.

• The importance of empathy and compassion: She has taught me the importance of

putting others before myself and of making a difference in the world. She has also taught me

the importance of listening to others and understanding their perspectives.

• The importance of working together to achieve common goals: She has shown me that we

can achieve more by working together than we can by working alone. She has also taught

me the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

6. Tell us about some of the projects that you are involved in.

I'm currently engaged in diverse projects. Pekee, a venture focused on crafting contemporary

African men's shirts and Bloom Group Africa, which is focused on local content capacity

building in the oil and gas industry, particularly in East Africa.

7. What benefits do you see that you gained from your education or training?

I've had the privilege of attending a diverse range of schools, which has provided me with a

unique perspective on education. Through this experience, I've gained insights into different

cultures and educational systems, fostering a deep appreciation for the significance of

education. The British education system, in particular, has offered me several valuable

benefits:

1.The capacity to think critically and independently.

2. The aptitude to swiftly and effectively acquire new knowledge and skills.

3. Adaptable social skills, honed from regularly changing schools and environments.

4. My academic journey through Pharmaceutical Sciences and ACCA has established a

strong foundation in both scientific disciplines and business principles.

5. The acquisition of crucial skills in research, problem-solving, and effective communication.

6. The competence to swiftly adapt to novel situations and embrace new knowledge.

7. The cultivation of analytical and critical thinking abilities.

8. We would like some of your perspectives in the Education sector?

Education has always been a central theme in my family's journey. My father's path started as

a lecturer and, even in his later years, he returned to teaching, achieving the rank of professor.

Rising from humble beginnings in the village, he attributes his success to education. Similarly,

my sister's academic journey led her to become a professor. My mother dedicated many

years to teaching in secondary schools in both Kenya and Tanzania and continues to do so

today. I firmly believe that education is a lifelong pursuit, essential for both professional and

personal development.

In our ever-changing world, the Japanese concept of Kaizen encourages continuous 

self-improvement. However, the challenge amidst information overload is finding quality

resources. Education is pivotal, particularly in Africa, as it levels the playing field. Investing in

education is vital for breaking poverty cycles, especially among marginalized youth. A skilled

workforce is essential for economic growth and innovation.

Africa's youthful population holds potential, but education is crucial to avoid missed

opportunities. Education must align with evolving job markets to combat high youth

unemployment. Technology has made learning accessible, especially in underserved regions.

Still, the digital divide persists due to unequal technology access.

Online learning has benefits, but lacks personal interaction for deep understanding and social

skills. For East Africa, education should prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Equipping

students with skills for problem-solving and business creation empowers them to address

local challenges and foster positive change.

9. What do you think about the Technology and Innovation Ecosystem of your current state?

The tech and innovation scene in East Africa is booming. Many startups and entrepreneurs are

tackling important local issues with creative solutions. It's thrilling to watch this ecosystem grow

and predict its future direction. Kenya, in particular, is rapidly advancing in tech and innovation.

With a multitude of startups and government investments, Kenya's potential in this field is vast.

The country's talented individuals and strong support for innovation position it to be a major

global tech player.

The introduction of mobile money, especially M-Pesa, has been a transformative milestone. It

has not only enhanced financial inclusion but also improved access to education, healthcare,

and economic opportunities. The e-commerce sector, represented by companies like Jumia

and Kilimall, is gaining traction as well. Nairobi, known for its Innovation Hubs and Incubators,

has rightfully earned a reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Health tech

startups like Mydawa have experienced a surge in popularity, particularly amid the challenges

posed by the Covid pandemic.It's important to recognize that numerous significant tech

startups are headed by foreign expatriates or Kenyan-born individuals with foreign heritage.

Often, these leaders secure substantial funding from Venture Capitalists and Private Equity

Funds. While acknowledging the positive aspects and opportunities this brings, it's equally vital

to acknowledge the challenges it poses to the local tech ecosystem. Striving for a balanced

environment that fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among both local

and foreign entrepreneurs is the ultimate goal. Encouraging more African banks and

governments to spearhead improved access to finance for local techpreneurs is crucial.

An exemplar of this mindset is my part-time employer, Mr. Bernard Rono. He epitomizes the

African techpreneur spirit by fully embracing and harnessing technology's potential. His

endeavors include Mamagas, an online last-mile delivery and fulfillment center for LPG gas and

FMCG products in Nairobi. He has also ventured into Augmented Reality apps for the real estate

and marketing sectors, showcasing the innovative capabilities of technology.

9.What role does your current employer play in the bigger picture of investment?

Our company, Bloom Group Africa, is dedicated to advancing local content in Tanzania's and

East Africa’s thriving oil and gas industry. We believe that investing in the development of local

talent is essential for the long-term success of the sector Some of the ways I believe 

Bloom Group Africa is playing a role in the bigger picture of investment are: -

• Helping to facilitate training and skills development tailored to the specific needs of the oil and gas industry.

• Creating jobs and opportunities. Our training programs help to create jobs and opportunities

for Tanzanians. This is important for economic growth and for developing a skilled workforce.

• Promoting local content. Bloom Group Africa advocates for the use of local content in the oil

and gas industry. This means that companies should use Tanzanian-made/East African goods

and services, and they should employ Tanzanian/ East African workers.

• Building capacity. Bloom Group Africa helps to build the capacity of local organizations and .

This includes providing training, mentoring, and technical assistance.