After nearly four years shaping corporate communications at Airtel Kenya, Victor Nyongesa has made a bold move into new territory. He is now Manager, Marketing, Brand and Communications at Acorn Holdings Limited, the real estate developer and manager behind the Qwetu and Qejani student hostels, and one of the companies defining Kenya’s purpose-built student accommodation story.

It is a switch that raises the kind of questions every communicator considering a new industry quietly asks. What transfers? What has to be unlearned? And what does it take to tell a story built on belonging and aspiration after years of selling invisible infrastructure?

We caught up with Victor on the move, the lessons he is carrying with him, and his advice for communicators eyeing a leap of their own.

Read the full Q&A below.

1. How long were you at Airtel Kenya, and what did that role teach you about corporate communications at scale?

I was at Airtel for 3 years and 9 months. During this time, I gained invaluable experience in the corporate communications field. The most enduring lesson I took away is the importance of crafting messages with every stakeholder in mind. Effective communication is about striking the right balance—remaining authentic and accurate while addressing the diverse needs and perspectives of different audiences, without losing sight of the intended narrative. That is a principle I will carry throughout my communications career.

I also leave with a deep appreciation for the importance of bold communication and owning the narrative. Being proactive and confident in your messaging helps reinforce your position, cut through the noise, and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

2. What drew you to Acorn Holdings and the student accommodation sector specifically , was it a deliberate pivot or did the opportunity find you?

It was a bit of both. I was at a point in my career where I was ready for a new challenge – a new role, a different industry, and an opportunity to grow. At the same time, Acorn Holdings is on an exciting growth journey in its mission to provide purpose-built student accommodation. With 15 properties already operational and more in development, the opportunity to contribute to such a transformative story made the move a natural and exciting next step.

3. What does your new role as Manager, Marketing, Brand and Communications involve, and what are you most excited to tackle first?

My role is centred on telling the Acorn story and strengthening the visibility of our brands through strategic marketing, brand management, and communications. It involves leveraging digital platforms to engage our audiences and positioning Acorn’s solutions in a way that resonates with the market.

What excites me most is leading the go-to-market execution of the Zinduka Graduate Enterprise Programme. Zinduka is a financing programme that enables students to access accommodation at Qwetu and Qejani through student housing loans and, after graduation, provides access to enterprise financing. It’s rewarding to work on a solution that addresses real challenges facing students and graduates – not through vague promises, fluff and buzz words, but by creating meaningful opportunities that can genuinely transform lives.

4. What do you think communicators moving from telecoms into real estate need to understand about how the two industries tell their stories differently?

The biggest difference lies in the nature of the story you’re telling. Telecoms is about communicating the value of largely invisible infrastructure, with messaging centred on connectivity, speed, and innovation. Real estate, on the other hand, is built around tangible, emotionally significant assets, where the focus shifts to belonging, lifestyle, aspiration and long-term value.

This also shapes how campaigns are executed. Telecom campaigns are often designed to scale nationally, while real estate communications are more location- and community-specific. That said, one skill transfers seamlessly between both industries: simplifying complexity. Whether explaining telecom innovations or breaking down real estate financing, sustainability, or investment opportunities, communicators must make complex ideas easy to understand.

The crisis landscape also differs. Telecom issues often emerge and escalate rapidly, requiring swift responses. In real estate, crises tend to unfold more gradually and publicly, demanding sustained stakeholder engagement and well-prepared response strategies. 

5. What is one thing you are carrying from Airtel into this new chapter?

One of the biggest lessons I’ll carry from Airtel is the ability to move with urgency. Working in such a fast-paced environment taught me to make timely decisions, adapt quickly, and respond effectively in an ever-evolving media landscape. It’s a mindset I intend to carry into every future role and endeavour.

Do you know a comms professional who has recently made a big move, or would you like to be featured? Reach out to us at connect@commsarena.com or on WhatsApp at +254 112 883 394. We would love to hear from you.