Journalists and TV presenters are some of the most popular individuals in the country. The career is very influential and well-paying.
While school plays a big role in nurturing the needed skills to speak indirectly to a whole country, some have succeeded in the industry without having to set foot in a journalism class.
Some may argue that you needn’t have a degree; as long as you’re fit for the job and have the necessary skills to present and speak to an audience. However, hard work and discipline are paramount to maintaining such lucrative positions
In this article, witness these renowned Kenyan journalists who have ignited a firestorm within the industry despite lacking formal media training:
1. Yvonne Okwara
Known for her mastery and eloquence of the English language, Yvonne Okwara is one to admire when she presents the news on Citizen TV.
In addition to captivating her audience, Yvonne is skilled at hosting powerful interviews with top individuals.
She has experience in radio production, presentation, television production, interviewing and news anchoring.
However, Yvonne has never studied journalism. She pursued a Bachelor’s in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry (Microbiology) at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She graduated in 2006.
2. Waihiga Mwaura
Waihiga is a TV presenter at Citizen TV. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Africa Nazarene University.
After his degree, he worked at a Non-Governmental Organization as an intern. Waihiga realized this wasn’t his calling and decided to venture into the media space, starting out as an actor. He also quit.
Mwaura decided to apply for job positions at several media houses until he got a call from Citizen TV.
His journey started with Zinduka and the Power Breakfast Show, paving his path to ascend the ladder of success and finally land the coveted position of a senior sports anchor at the station.
He has won several accolades, including the CNN Award for Sports Category in 2012, the Mo Amin Award and the BBC Komlar Dumor Award in 2018.
3. Kamene Goro
Kamene embarked on a thrilling journey of academic pursuit and professional exploration, delving into the intricacies of law as she earned her LLB at the prestigious University of Nairobi.
After a brief stint as a paralegal, she ventured into the exhilarating world of television. She joined Ebru TV at 21 and lent her expertise to various programs.
Her passion for journalism eventually led her to NRG radio, where she dazzled audiences with her captivating style and insightful commentary.
Kamene proceeded to host the Kiss FM morning show alongside Jalang’o, then Oga Obinna before leaving the station earlier this year.
4. Shiksha Arora
Shiksha is a popular TV personality because of her dances, fun-filled antics and oral proficiency when presenting for the government-owned KBC station.
The feisty news anchors journey began as a part-time presenter at Easy Fm. She was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology at this time.
Later she realized that she had no passion for the course. She had developed a love for journalism working as a part-time presenter.
Shiksha Arora flew to the UK for further studies where she pursued a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Westminister.
She flew back to Kenya for a job and had to wait for five months before getting a job. Through her unflinching determination, she landed a job interview at K24, where she worked for two years before moving to KBC.
5. King Kalala
NRG’s radio presenter, King Kalala is well known for her outspoken nature, confidence and unique voice.
This has definitely helped her cut through the Kenyan Media industry and landed her a radio job. She hosts not one but two NRG shows; NRG Circle and NRG Plug.
Kalala joined JKUAT for a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Marketing, then dropped out in her second year to pursue a career in social media influencing and radio.
She is best known for audaciously tackling controversial issues. Her mentors include Amina Abdi, Shaffie Weru, Kevin Mule, 3 Men Army.
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