The story of Thomas Kwaka Omolo, known as Big Ted, is a testament to resilience, persistence, and determination. From scoring a D Plain in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination to becoming a DJ, renowned MC, and landing a top job at State House, Big Ted's journey is truly remarkable.
Recently, Kenya’s Consul General in Los Angeles, United States of America, Big Ted, has had his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) conferred to him. His PhD is a major achievement for him in his educational journey.
Early Life and Education
Big Ted was born in Eastleigh, Nairobi, into a humble family of five siblings: three brothers and two sisters. His Father, Erastus Kwak, is a bishop and an auditor running a thriving company in East Africa, while his mother, Agnes Kwaka, is a nurse who transitioned from treating patients to operating a tailoring shop in Jericho.
Big Ted attended Buruburu One primary school where flopped in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. He did not particularly excel in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education national examinations and had to repeat to pass his exams. His dad made him repeat class eight at Aga Khan Academy where he sat for his KCPE and passed very well and joined Nairobi School. “I got a D despite being at The Nairobi School aka Patch.
Early Career
Immediately after clearing his secondary school education, he got an opportunity to become an apprentice sound engineer working with the likes of Peter Odera, Ted Josiah, Sally Oyugi and Esther Murakinyo. He arranged sound systems at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC). He would then get an opportunity to work with Kenya’s top event organizer DS Njoroge. It was during this time that he got an opportunity to learn how big shows are put together behind the scenes.
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He went or nearest or nearest or nearest on to work for Miss Kenya on a monthly salary of Ksh 6,000 and since his rent was the same amount, he had to look for a part time job as a DJ and MC. From his side job, he made an extra Ksh 2,000 per month.
He joined Kiss FM in 2004 where he worked with big names in the industry such as Caroline Mutoko, Sheila Mwanyiga and Maina Kageni among many others. “They called me to the interview at Lion Place in Westlands. I had no CV or any background in the media world but I had a lot of photographs of the events I have been to. I showed up and told them this is who I am and this is what I am able to do. They told me to listen, we will call you.
He worked there for five years before quitting and moving to work for Red Bull energy drink as the Marketing Manager a position he held from 2006 to 2008. He then joined Megascope Healthcare (K) Limited as the Country Marketing and Business Development manager, a position he held from 2008 to 2010.
Overcoming obstacles - Steven Claunch
Government Service and Diplomatic Role
In 2013, Big Ted was appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to become the Deputy Director of Brand and Strategy at Statehouse. He served in the position for two years until in 2015 when he was appointed the Director of Brand Strategy and Events at the Executive Office of the President. At OTP, he started out as a Deputy Director, Brand Strategy and Events before he became the Director, Brand Strategy and Events.
He received the Head of State Commendation (HSC) award for his innovation direction earning millions of Kenyan artist’s enhanced visibility and engagement with the country’s Executive and Legislative players.
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A Consul General is a high-ranking diplomatic officer who represents their country in a foreign city or region. Currently, Big Ted serves as Kenya’s Consul General in Los Angeles, United States of America.
Education and Personal Reflection
He holds an Executive Diploma in Marketing from The Marketing Society of Kenya issued in January 2012.
“Today is a big day for me - surreal & so far-fetched. Sheila, Major and VDJ Space, has favor been conferred on you that you cannot tell anyone until you hold it and even then you feel as of you do not deserve it? It’s a good case of what the experts call Imposter Syndrome - a pattern of questioning your own abilities or accomplishments and believing they aren’t good enough. He went on, “Who is God! Who is God! Dr.
Summary of Big Ted's Achievements:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Career | DJ, MC, Sound Engineer |
| Marketing Roles | Kiss FM, Red Bull, Megascope Healthcare |
| Government Appointment | Deputy Director and Director of Brand Strategy at Statehouse |
| Award | Head of State Commendation (HSC) |
| Diplomatic Role | Consul General in Los Angeles |
| Education | PhD, Executive Diploma in Marketing |
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