Our Story & Mission

Obscura is a Kenyan communications firm with decades of experience across media, public relations, and strategic storytelling. Founded on the belief that powerful stories can drive change, we have spent over 20 years helping NGOs, governments, corporations, and communities communicate with purpose. From our start in Nairobi to projects in 70+ countries, our journey has been defined by creativity, passion, and impact.

Nairobi city Uhuru park with a pond, tall palm trees, and a skyline of office buildings and skyscrapers in the background during daytime with partly cloudy skies.

Leadership & Legacy

A Maasai tribesman in traditional attire holding a spear, walking outdoors with two other people, a man and a woman, near a large tree.

We are proud to be leaders in the East African media landscape, with a track record that few can match. Our team has been at the forefront of major initiatives – from launching national campaigns to preserving world heritage sites. This rich history isn’t just about longevity; it’s about continually innovating and setting the standard.

Men from an African tribe wearing colorful traditional necklaces, face paint, and headgear, looking at a tablet device outdoors.

Obscura is rooted in Kenya and trusted across Africa. We deeply understand the local context – languages, cultures, on-the-ground realities – and we use this insight to create resonant messages. At the same time, our work spans the globe. Whether it’s a UNESCO heritage project in Jordan or a documentary in the Himalayas, we bridge continents through storytelling. Our ability to operate globally while thinking locally ensures that every project is authentic and effective.

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Full-Spectrum Storytelling

We aren’t just filmmakers or just PR strategists – we are full-spectrum storytellers. Our expertise ranges from documentary film and photography to graphic design, digital media, and high-level communications strategy. This unique combination means we can take a project from concept to execution entirely in-house. For clients, this translates to cohesive messaging and seamless delivery every time.

A wooden boat with a red flag on calm green water, with a modern city skyline featuring tall skyscrapers in the background under a hazy sky.

Impact-Focused Approach

At Obscura, success is measured in impact. We specialize in media that inspires action, influences policy, and drives change. Our environmental campaigns have rallied support for wildlife and ecosystems. Our development stories have attracted funding for education, health, and livelihoods. We’ve helped election candidates win and nonprofits broaden their reach – all by focusing on what resonates with people’s hearts and minds. We don’t just deliver outputs; we deliver outcomes that matter.

A person dressed in an elaborate costume on a parade float, holding a large bunch of balloons shaped like grapes and a large feathered headdress with green feathers, during a nighttime parade with a large crowd in the background.
An elderly woman with a colorful headscarf sits on the ground in front of a stone wall decorated with various animal horns, bells, and other objects, holding a piece of white yarn.

Storytelling is in the details. Our team includes historians, anthropologists, and researchers who ensure every narrative is rich and respectful. We’ve contributed to museum exhibitions and cultural preservation efforts, like designing the Asian African Heritage Museum gallery in Nairobi, to honor untold stories and diverse voices. This depth of knowledge allows us to create content with authenticity and depth, setting us apart from typical agencies.

Cultural & Historical Insight

Close-up view of ancient Egyptian columns with hieroglyphics inscribed, illuminated at night against a dark blue sky.

Over the years, Obscura’s work has garnered recognition and trust. Our director, Jeff DeKock – a filmmaker, photographer, and professor – has worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, and BBC, and earned awards like the Adobe Prize for his book “Faces of Dignity”. Our projects have been featured at high-profile events and across the largest international platforms. We’ve built a reputation for excellence and reliability, which is why clients return to us and new partners seek us out as the team that can deliver.

Credibility & Recognition

Morning sunrise over a rural landscape in Kenya with mist and trees, houses, and fields.
A female photographe in a red dress and wide-brimmed hat shows a camera to two Rendille women wearing traditional, colorful beaded jewelry and clothing in a rural outdoor setting.

Our Team

Behind Obscura is a diverse team of experts – from seasoned journalists and creative directors to young innovators brimming with fresh ideas. What unites us is a passion for storytelling and a commitment to our clients’ causes. With expertise that spans five continents and stories told in multiple languages, we collaborate closely to ensure each project shines. At Obscura, you gain a partner who treats your mission like our own, backed by a team of professionals who are the best at what they do.