Distinguished guests, family members, friends, colleagues, fans, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening.
Today is a special day for me. I am grateful to God to have you here as we celebrate my 10 years’ journey on radio.
It all started in 2011 in Tharaka Nithi County when I was posted to the Kenya News Agency as an intern.
My journalism career started formally in 2012 when I joined the County Focus Newspaper as a correspondent. I later secured employment with Meru FM as a reporter.
I thank veteran journalists Simon Kobia and Patrick Muriungi for the opportunity they accorded me – kick starting my career.
Starting off as a radio reporter was not an easy task. I appreciate my friend and colleague Kathure Mukuru (then with Muuga FM) for the support she gave me. I remember people could not differentiate between us because we were too small then.
In those days, working as a field reporter was not easy because of poor road network – vehicles and boda boda were few.
I remember when we travelled from Chuka to Kathwana, we could arrive so dusty and tired. We referred ourselves as ‘exhibits’ meaning dirty and worn out.
However, these challenges did not deter me from delivering relevant news for my listeners.
In 2018, I joined Royal Media Services as a correspondent for Muuga FM in Buuri region. I was the first radio reporter to be assigned this region.
I thank the Buuri community for the support they accorded me as I highlighted issues affecting them.
Radio journalism demands a lot of commitment as you must feed your listeners with fresh news from time to time.
One of my most challenging moment in radio was in 2022 when I had to cover the general elections yet I had a three months old baby.
In the field, you also meet hostile people while others may have vital information but fear going on record – yet you need the story.
We cover happy moments, traumatic and tragic events and sorrowful situations. It can be emotionally draining especially when we meet people in dire need.
I have personally interviewed people struggling with diseases. It is really sad when you do a follow up and find out they are dead!
But in all this, I am proud that through radio, I have told stories of people in need enabling them to get help from well-wishers. This keeps me motivated.
Despite all the challenges, resilience, discipline and hard work has kept me going. Objectivity, a key principle of journalism, has been my guide.
My call to young and upcoming journalists is to be brave. Be professional. Never be biased in your reporting.
As I conclude, I thank my family for supporting me. My husband has been understanding when I work at odd hours. I thank you my dear for being a good co-parent and partner. I thank my mum and siblings for their encouragement.
I also want to thank my editors, colleagues, friends and listeners who have helped make my work better.
As I celebrate this milestone, I celebrate all who have stood with me. Thank you so much!
Thank you and God Bless you!
