Joel Chacha: Priest dreamer that is now an energizer bunny in communication and PR world

WHEN Joel Chacha moved to Nairobi as a small boy in 1990, he had no idea what the world had in store for him. He was “just a three-year-old boy from Nyabikaye village” in Isibania, Kuria West, with dreams of becoming a lawyer or a priest — but life had other plans. Today, Joel is a Director at the global advisory firm Portland Communications, a board member of the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK), and an internationally recognized industry leader, serving as a Juror at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and as a Judge at the PRWeek Global Awards for the third time. With a career spanning over 16 years in media and public relations, The Star caught up with him to talk about his life, career journey, leadership and industry issues.

Who is Joel Chacha where did he grow up and how was it?

Joel is an eighth born in a family of 10 children. I was born in Migori and moved to Nairobi from Nyabikaye village when I was three years old. At the time, all I spoke was Kuria. Being thrown into a completely new environment where no one understood me was tough—especially for an extrovert who just wanted to make friends.Growing up in such a big household taught me resilience, patience, and how to negotiate from a young age. But one of my earliest, most vivid memories was the culture shock I felt driving through Westlands for the first time.

I remember seeing street lights and pestering my dad with questions—how did they manage to light up all those pressure lamps? What time did they switch off the generator in Nairobi? Back in Isebania, the power always cut out right after the 7 o’clock news—it was like clockwork.But the real challenge wasn’t the lights—it was the language. Not knowing English or Kiswahili didn’t mean I wasn’t smart, but it did feel like I was locked out of everything around me. I would try to talk to other kids at Kitale Lane, but no one could understand what I was saying. That experience humbled me. It shifted how I view people and taught me not to measure anyone by how they speak or carry themselves.

A wise man—his name escapes me—once said, “Your fluency in English doesn’t equate to intelligence.” That line has stayed with me. It shaped how I lead, how I listen and how I connect with others to this day.

Today, I’m a Director at Portland Communications, and I sit on the board of the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK), where I have been chairing the Marketing and Events Committee for close to five years. I previously chaired the USIU Journalism Alumni Chapter and PRSK’s Media Relations Expert Advisory Panel. I have also had the honour of serving as a judge at the PRWeek Global Awards in London—this year marked my third time—and for the first time, I’ve been selected as an awarding juror for the PR Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.It has been quite the journey—and I carry every part of it with me.

What gets you up in the morning?

The belief that there’s still so much more I can do to positively influence how stories are told—especially African stories. And of course, my sons Mio and Abbe—they are my daily reminder of why I push forward.

What was your childhood dream?

Funny enough, I wanted to be a lawyer or a priest. I liked the idea of standing in front of people, speaking with conviction, maybe even changing minds. But life had other plans. I remember watching my elder sister and my on TV and thinking, “That is powerful.” I would also see articles written by my other cousin in the newspaper and feel this pull towards storytelling. That is when the dream shifted. I fell in love with journalism.

How did you end up in PR?

Accidentally, to be honest. I started in media, telling human interest stories and working with journalists across the country. Over time, I realised I could use those same skills to help organisations connect with people more meaningfully. PR became a natural next step.

Do you have a secret talent that no one knows about?

My secret talent—well, it is not that secret to close friends—is interior design and sprucing up cars. I love transforming spaces and giving things a fresh, clean, thoughtful look. I can spend hours just rearranging a room or working on a car’s detailing. I find it therapeutic. Who knows—maybe in the future, I might open up a garage or a small design studio on the side. It is definitely a passion I keep going back to.

What do you do for fun?

As a single father of two, I spend every minute I can with my boys. We swim, play golf, go head-to-head on GP Kart and PlayStation and roast each other for fun. It is loud, competitive, full of laughter and honestly, those are the moments that keep me grounded. We all love loud music—same genre, hip hop—so whether it’s the 8-hour drive to Isebania for the holidays or a road trip down to Mombasa, the car is usually a mini-concert. Beats blasting, windows down and all of us singing (or rapping) along. Those drives are just as fun as the destination.

How do you relax?

Relax? Maybe sleep at night if I am lucky! I am what you would call an energizer bunny. I just keep going and going. I thrive in movement. I am always thinking, doing, planning, fixing. But every now and then, when I do catch a quiet moment, I try to soak it in, maybe a quick power nap or just zoning out with some good music.

What was your first job?

My first real media job was as a reporter trainee at KTN. That is where I honed my skills in news writing and reporting and built friendships that shaped not just my career but my outlook on life. We were young, hungry and full of energy. I still remember doing the Sunrise Show in the mornings with Nicholas Mudimba (may he rest in peace) and Arthur Wekesa—we called ourselves the “kings of takes.” It was such a vibrant crew. Edith Kimani and Maina Macharia were the hosts of the show and were both such a force—sharp, grounded, and always composed under pressure. Mwendwa Kiogora was our boss, and she really taught me the power of patience. She had this calm, firm way of leading that balanced all our energy and chaos. Losing Mudimba recently was painful; he was not just a colleague, he was a brother and those memories now carry even more weight.

What is one of the most memorable life experiences you have had?

Moving to Nairobi at age three without knowing a word of English or Kiswahili has to be up there. I basically showed up with vibes and Kuria! I was this super talkative kid trying to make friends in Kitale Lane, and no one could understand a word I was saying. It was like living in my own world with subtitles missing. Then in 2011, I took it a step further and moved to Sweden. Now, that was next-level madness. I packed my bags thinking “how cold can it really be?” Let’s just say I met winter in HD. The culture shock, the weather, the food... I once asked for pilau and someone handed me boiled potatoes and a confused look. But those experiences, as wild as they seemed, gave me the confidence to throw myself into new environments and just figure things out along the way.

What motivates you?

Impact. Knowing that the work I do can shift perspectives, open minds and elevate voices that are often overlooked.

What inspired you to become what you are today?

My mother. She has always been my North Star. Her strength, grace and quiet wisdom continue to guide me.

What time do you wake up and how do you start your day?

I am usually up by 3am. That is my golden hour—no distractions, just me, a quiet house and my thoughts. It is when I get most of my heavy thinking done, working on proposals, reviewing plans, strategising. Honestly, apart from the YPP (You PR People) WhatsApp group, no one else is awake at that time! On good days, I’ll make it to the gym by 5:30 am to clear my head and by 9:00am, I am at my desk ready to roll. It is a routine that works for me—start early, stay ahead.

Tell us about Portland.

Portland is a global advisory firm that helps companies, foundations, governments and organisations communicate effectively grow and succeed. We support clients through business and reputational challenges—whether that is navigating regulatory changes, political shifts, legal disputes or even full-blown crises. We help them engage meaningfully in policy conversations and tell their stories in the media when it matters most. Funny thing, when I first joined Portland, a few people thought I had moved to Portland Cement! I used to joke that it is not far off, just like Portland Cement, we help our clients cement their narrative across the world.

What is your biggest achievement?

Helping shape the reputation of some of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations across Africa has been a huge milestone. But on a personal level, raising two kind, curious boys tops the list.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned throughout your career?

Listen more than you speak. Stay curious, always respect people’s time and space—you never know what battles they are fighting.

What leadership principles do you find most important and how do you apply them in your role?

Empathy, clarity and consistency. I try to lead with understanding, communicate clearly and stay true to what I stand for.

You have been recognised in the global arena.A judge! What does that mean?

It is humbling. Being appointed as a judge for PRWeek Global Awards and an Awarding Jury member for the PR Lions at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity reminds me that African voices matter on the global stage. It also pushes me to keep the ladder down—to help others rise too.

How do you foster a culture of innovation in a company?

By creating a safe space for people to speak up, try new things and even fail. Innovation does not thrive in fear, it needs freedom and support.

What makes a great team in your opinion?

Trust, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. Also, having fun together. Teams that laugh together stay together.

What are the company's top priorities and how do they align with the long-term vision?

Our focus is on shaping narratives that matter—especially on the continent. Long-term, we want to be the go-to for values-led communications that truly resonate across Africa and beyond.

What are some of the most impactful decisions you have made as a leader and what lessons have you learned from them?Saying no to work that does not align with our values. It is not always easy but it is necessary. I have learnt that who you work with is just as important as the work itself.

How do you stay ahead of industry trends and anticipate future changes?By staying plugged in—reading widely, listening to younger voices and having open conversations with peers across sectors.

How would you compare Kenya’s PR landscape to regional markets and other key economies in Africa?Kenya’s PR space is vibrant and fast-evolving. We are at the intersection of tech, media and culture making it a very dynamic place to operate. That said, we could do better in embracing research-led and insights-driven communication.

How best can Kenya drive growth?By investing in education, supporting entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment for innovation especially for the youth.

As a member and leader at PRSK, what is the future of Kenya’s communication, marketing and PR from your opinion?It is bright especially if we invest in skills development and ethical practice. The next generation of communicators will redefine how Africa is perceived globally and we need to prepare them for that responsibility.