A new digital marketplace called ZAUMU has launched in Kenya, positioning itself as an end-to-end influencer campaign management solution. The platform aims to address longstanding issues in Kenya’s influencer marketing ecosystem by directly connecting brands with content creators, per Tech-Ish.

According to ZAUMU co-founder Cedric Nzomo, the platform provides transparency on campaign deliverables and guarantees prompt payments based on project milestones. “The beauty of content creation is that you can monetize what you’re already doing,” Nzomo said in a statement.

Statista data shows that Kenya’s influencer marketing spend reached $2.5 million in 2024, against a potential of $25 million. ZAUMU claims that up to 90% of digital projects intended for influencers fail to materialize due to trust deficits, poor measurement tools, and misalignment between brands and creators.

Research from Odipodev indicates that 76% of Kenyan Gen Zs aspire to become professional content creators, highlighting interest in this career path.

Platform Features and Structure

ZAUMU’s marketplace includes job listings with budget disclosure where payments must be deposited in advance and released according to project milestones. 

The platform provides digital contracts with visibility into usage rights, enables direct communication between brands and creators without intermediaries, and offers automated reporting and payment tracking. 

Both brands and creators can build trust through a reputation system, and the platform includes AI-powered tools for brainstorming, moderation, and campaign support.

The platform offers free self-registration for brands and creators.

Industry Context and Existing Challenges

As Tech-Ish notes, ZAUMU is entering a market where other platforms, such as Wowzi, have previously raised significant funding to address similar issues. Payment delays and contract disputes remain common, as evidenced by public disagreements between creators and brands.

The platform launches amid growing digital marketing activity in Kenya, including Amazon’s recent expansion of its Influencer Program into the country and TikTok’s opening of its ad platform in the region.