Open to opportunities

Gathigia Warui

@gathigiawarui

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I lead research and digital storytelling for Nairobi’s urban cultural ecosystems through Zetu.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for work where I can lead research and digital storytelling rooted in community collaboration—then shape exhibitions, films, and public-facing content with strong curation, partnerships, and clear project delivery.

I founded and manage ZETU, documenting Nairobi’s urban cultural ecosystems through research and digital storytelling. I develop and maintain an online geo-tagged platform that showcases community spaces and cultural activities, working directly with local communities to map and document informal cultural networks.

I curate and publish content that amplifies local stories and perspectives, making cultural intelligence accessible to a wider audience. Alongside that, I lead ongoing research and grant-writing initiatives to support organizational growth and expand ZETU’s impact.

My background also spans visual production and curation: I worked as a photographer for WARUI CruiseVision GmbH, capturing and editing marketing and guest imagery with strong attention to visual appeal. I also work as an independent curator, community organizer, and facilitator—organizing events under exhibitions and supporting queer wellness and community storytelling.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Researcher & Writer

Current

Zetu

Aug 2025 - Present (1 year)

Founded and manages Zetu, researching and documenting Nairobi’s urban cultural ecosystems through digital storytelling. Develops and maintains a geo-tagged platform, curates community-focused content, and leads ongoing research and grant-writing initiatives.

Research Writing Digital Storytelling Content Curation Community Engagement Grant writing

Current

Independent Curator & Facilitator

Current

Freelance

Jul 2024 - Present (2 years 1 month)

Organized and facilitated the One-Day Choir and Storytelling Event under the Sonic Mass exhibition. Helped drive communal storytelling through event facilitation.

Facilitation Community Organizing Storytelling Program Delivery

Photographer

CruiseVision GmbH

Oct 2019 - Nov 2025 (6 years 1 month)

Photographed and edited marketing and guest images to ensure high visual appeal. Worked as one of the first non-European photographers hired by a German cruise liner.

Photography Guest Photography

Programs & Events Associate

Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute

Mar 2023 - Aug 2024 (1 year 5 months)

Led research initiatives that informed exhibition public programming and designed workshops, panel discussions, and artist talks. Managed stakeholder relations and partnerships, coordinated publication editing and structuring, and oversaw daily operations including budget tracking and reporting.

Research Workshop Facilitation Panel Discussions Artist Talks Stakeholder Management Strategic Partnerships Program Coordination Budgeting Reporting

Cultural Exchange Fellow

Fashion Africa Now

Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 (4 months)

Co-curated a digital exhibition exploring non-conformity in fashion for Queer and BIPOC communities. Led related research and visual storytelling, coordinated international creative collaborations, and managed project timelines.

Online Exhibition Curation Research Visual Storytelling Collaboration Project Timelines Cultural Exchange

Some Day Pix – Scriptwriting Fellow

Africa Digital Media Institute

Mar 2017 - Jun 2019 (2 years 3 months)

Developed the script for a queer short film set in Nairobi as a Scriptwriting Fellow. Built skills in story structure, audience engagement, and multimedia storytelling.

Audience Engagement Queer Film Writing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Africa Digital Media Institute

Diploma in Film and TV Production, Film and TV Production

2017 - 2019

Completed a Diploma in Film and TV Production, including scriptwriting development through the Some Day Pix Scriptwriting Fellow program. Developed a script for a queer short film set in Nairobi and built skills in story structure, audience engagement, and multimedia storytelling.