Mary Mash wins two Wezesha awards as Ezekiel Mutua backs youth-focused collaboration

Kenyan diaspora entrepreneur Mary Macharia’s communications company, Mary Mash, took home two awards at the 2026 Wezesha Awards, where her work also drew praise from Dr Ezekiel Mutua.

Macharia was recognised with the Marketing and Communications Partner of the Year award, while Mary Mash also received the Diaspora Corporate Communications Excellence Award.

The awards ceremony was held at PrideInn Hotel on Mombasa Road, with the recognition placing the spotlight on the growing role of Kenyan diaspora-led businesses in the local creative and communications space.

Mutua, who attended the event, praised the team for its creativity and professionalism and said he was open to exploring a collaboration with the company.

Rather than focusing solely on the awards, Mutua used his appearance to speak to young people at the event, urging them to approach their careers with purpose and seek mentors who can help them navigate their professional journeys.

The proposed collaboration between Mutua’s MEMA Africa and Mary Mash could centre on areas including youth empowerment, digital media, communications, partnerships and diaspora engagement, although specific projects have yet to be announced.

For Macharia, the recognition comes as Mary Mash continues to position itself between Kenya and the diaspora. The business works across brand marketing, communications, digital media, events and partnerships, with its model built around connecting Kenyan and African businesses with audiences and networks abroad.

The company has also been involved in community initiatives, including a visit to a children’s home, as part of its wider social engagement activities.

Macharia’s journey reflects a broader shift among Kenyan diaspora entrepreneurs who are increasingly using international networks and experience to build businesses with links to the local market.

With a reported team of 25, Mary Mash is seeking to strengthen its presence in Kenya while developing the US-Kenya business corridor and eventually expanding its network across African diaspora markets.

For young creatives and communications professionals, the company’s expansion could create opportunities in areas such as digital marketing, social media, content creation, public relations, events and brand activations.