We’ve all heard stories about individuals who have overcome life hardships to make it big. They’re plenty.
That said, such stories usually have an inspiring yet eye-opening edge, particularly from certain folks who have come from rags to riches.
Safe to say, we can classify Kenyan favourite sports journalist, Stephen Mukangai, working for Radio Maisha under this bracket.
Mukangai had to work his way up the proverbial success ladder, from humble beginnings to a lucrative job at Standard Media.
Stephen Mukangai was born in Malava, Kakamega County to a poor family in Namshiya village.
He schooled at his village, then attended Ingotse High School, then later MMUST, previously monikered Kenya College of Communication Technology (KCCT). Here, he honed his journalism skills.
Speaking at a past interview, Mukangai disclosed that life was never a breeze for him, particularly after he moved to Nairobi in 2008. Coming to a futuristic Nairobi as compared to the village, the Swahili pundit had nobody to rely on.
To barely get by each day, he had to take on several odd jobs, to put food on the table and pay rent for a room in Mashimoni, Kibera slums where he lived.
“At first the job was easy, I was tasked with cleaning the washrooms. later it became quite difficult since we stated to lift bags of cement and bricks. I did the mjengo job for around 5 to 6 months,” he recalled.
Despite the challenges, Mukangai a true-born hustler continued to plough his way looking for opportunities to make a decent living.
“I used to walk from Kibera all the way to Gachie, Kiambu County. Usually, I would leave my house at around 3 am in the morning,” he added.
Sometimes, Mukangai would sleep on an empty stomach after a long day of construction work. He relocated to Mlango Kubwa after making a few coins.
The Kenyan ‘Peter Drury’ made his first career breakthrough when he opted to try his luck at Standard Media Group. Mukangai showed up to the broadcaster unannounced, to meet veteran commentator and sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali.
The first attempt was futile. One day, he received a phone call from Hassan who told him to revisit the Standard Media Group offices for another meeting.
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After a successful meeting, Hassan ordered him to be at the offices early the next day as Mukangai would co-host a morning show. He showers Hassan Mwana wa Ali with heaps of praises that led to his success in his career.
“Hassan told me to be at Standard by 7 am the next day. He added that he will do the Nuru ya Lugha Show with me. So, I was over-excited. I was so happy, it was my first day to go live on air,” the commentator told Ronny TV.
Weeks later, Mukangai impressed Hassan with his liveliness when they were both commentating on a Kenyan Premier League Fixture.
“It was in 2010, a match between Red Berets vs Ulinzi Stars. After 5 minutes into the match, Ali switched off the mic and told me I was so lively. He promised to vouch for me to his boss. That is how I got my job at Standard Group,” he stated.
Mukangai’s commitment and trust in the process paid off as he rose through the ranks to become one of Kenya’s top sports journalists. His salary estimates are between Sh. 200,000 and Sh. 300,000 per month.
As a parting shot to all people struggling with various challenges, Mukangai advice that they should put their faith in God.
“In life, you have to trust God and everything will fall into place. In whatever you do, put God forward and you will make it,” he concluded.
