Shape Histor has partnered with non-profit Girl Effect to create the bold brand identity for it’s new multimedia brand, Tukisonga. Designed to empower young Kenyans—especially young women—Tukisonga aims to provide inspiration and practical tools to help them navigate key areas of their lives, including health and personal development.
Tukisonga—meaning “As we move” in Swahili—places young women at the heart of a new movement, creating a unifying platform that celebrates their resilience, ambitions, and determination to break free from traditional paths and chart their course.
A centrepiece of Tukisonga is its highly anticipated TV drama series, which premiered on 6th December and will air on NTV and K24 every Friday at 7:30 pm. The drama follows relatable characters as they navigate challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, and societal expectations.
The series was launched by Girl Effect youth creators, supported by radio campaigns, community-based screenings in Nairobi and Migori counties, and digital engagement on online platforms.
Tukisonga will serve as the overarching brand for all Girl Effect’s Kenyan products, including Wazzii, a chatbot that delivers trusted sexual and reproductive health information. Shape History previously created the brand for Wazzii, which won numerous awards for its innovative design approach and use of cultural insight—a success that this partnership continues to build on.
Tukisonga takes Wazzii’s mission of providing Kenyan youth with support and guidance further, building a multimedia platform that connects young people to resources and opportunities that help them overcome barriers and celebrate their potential to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Shape History crafted the brand identity to capture the energy, diversity, and ambition of Kenya’s youth. Drawing from extensive research—including co-creation workshops and focus groups—Shape History developed a bold creative direction inspired by insights from young people themselves.
The brand embodies connection, movement, and transformation, showcasing the vibrancy and determination of young Kenyans. Its creative direction sets it apart in a crowded space by incorporating:
Dynamic Typography: Inspired by the fluid and evolving identities of youth, Tukisonga features bold and playful typefaces with unique letter distortions, symbolising individuality and momentum.
Vibrant Color Palette: The Tukisonga palette combines eyecatching, vibrant colors with grounding accents of dark brown, beige, and black. This pairing makes each color pop, capturing the energy of youth while adding depth and texture.
Expressive Doodles and Patterns: Hand-drawn shapes taken directly from the co-creation workshops add a playful, authentic touch.
Diverse and Inclusive Photography: Featuring young people in modern, relatable settings with an emphasis on community, individuality, and breaking traditional boundaries.
Shape History’s design approach was rooted in co-creation, with young Kenyans actively shaping Tukisonga’s visual and narrative identity. By integrating their perspectives, the brand radiates authenticity and speaks directly to the aspirations of its audience. A brand book ensures consistency across all platforms, from digital campaigns to physical spaces.
Tukisonga also marks the establishment of a unified “Tukiverse,” with sub-brands like Wazzii retaining autonomy while aligning visually and thematically. Through shared patterns, colors, and motifs, the “Tukiverse” reinforces the energy, momentum, and inclusivity of the master brand.
“Tukisonga is a celebration of young people’s resilience and perseverence.” said Leila Hashemi, Associate Strategy Director, at Shape History. “Young people in Kenya, especially girls, face immense pressures as they navigate a world where traditional paths no longer guarantee success. Tukisonga is a brandbuilt on connection and the spirit of a generation determined to shape their future.“
The Tukisonga TV drama is just one aspect of Girl Effect’s ongoing commitment to empowering Kenyan youth. With Wazzii, the digital platform that has already impacted over 1 million youth by providing sexual and reproductive health information, and now with Tukisonga’s multimedia initiatives, Girl Effect continues to scale its reach and impact.
“Tukisonga represents a new chapter for Kenyan youth,” said Mbithi Masya, Regional Content Director at Girl Effect. “By co-creating this brand with young people, we’ve created a platform that supports them not just in navigating challenges but in celebrating their potential to lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.“
Tukisonga’s launch demonstrates Shape History’s expertise in developing purpose-driven campaigns that combine cultural insight, creative strategy, and social impact. Together with Girl Effect, they have built a vibrant brand that truly belongs to its audience—a community-driven platform that empowers youth to move forward, together.
