Exclusive

In Pictures: Over 99,000 Acres Destroyed in Tsavo Park Fire

An Antelope and an ostrich at Tsavo conservation area after the fires.
An antelope and an ostrich at Tsavo conservation area after the fires.
File

The Tsavo Conservation area that consists of the Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park has come under threat in the past months from separate fire incidences that have destroyed thousands of acres of vegetation.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) over 99,000 acreas of vegetation were destroyed in the most recent fires with four incidences reported in a span of two months. 

The magnitude of the infernos paints a grim picture for the conservation area as many animals are likely to starve due to the destruction of their food source.

An ariel view of the fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area
An ariel view of the aftermath of the fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area.
File

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, John Kabue, a research scientist working in the Tsavo Landscape stated that the fire incidences were reported at the end of the rainy season during which plants had sprouted and acted as fuel for the fires.

"Large herbivores and carnivores can run to safety in the event of the fire, however the biggest casualties are smaller animals like tortoise, snakes, rodents and birds," he noted.

Kabue further explained that the magnitude of the fire would have disastrous effects on the ecology of the area as the next rains would be expected in October 2020.

An ariel view of the fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area
An ariel view of the aftermath of fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area
File

"Reclaiming the land is not easy, because so much life has been disrupted with nearly 100,000 acres of vegetation destroyed," the researcher stated,

The scientist divluged that fire management strategies should be adopted to prevent such incidences in future. He advocated for fire breaks which limit the spread of fires in such incidences.

Following the fires, KWS issued a statement, cautioning the public against setting fires close to national parks and reserves as in most cases the fires end up affecting wildlife and habitats.

The aftermath of the fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area
The aftermath of the fire incident at Tsavo Conservation area
File

The conservation body warned that a Ksh200,000 fine would be placed on those found lighting fires around national parks and reserves reiterating that it was punishable by law.

“Any person who sets fire to any vegetation in any wildlife protected area or allows any fire lighted by himself or his servants to enter a wildlife protected area commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than two hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment of not less than two years or to both such fine and imprisonment,” Section 102 part 9 (b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013 states.

The park that covers an estimated 13,747 square kilometres is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust–red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo,crocodile, waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk and Hirola.

The aftermath of the fires at Tsavo Conservation area
The aftermath of the fires at Tsavo Conservation area
File

 

EXCLUSIVE: Nation Media Group Rebrands

The logo for Nation Media Group's new website
The logo for Nation Media Group's new website
File

Nation Media Group has announced the rebranding of its newspapers and creation of a new digital brand which started on July 30, 2020, ushering in a digital-first strategy in the company.

The Nation will have a new logo as well as a new layout for its website and new web address, "Nation.Africa" through which readers will access content.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Nation Media Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu stated that the brand was expanding to serve its pan African audience. 

A screengrab of Nation Media's new website's layout
A screengrab of Nation Media's new website's layout
File

“We have correspondents in most countries in Africa who serve news directly to us. The new site will be rolled out in the next few weeks,” he explained. 

Head of External Affairs and Marketing Clifford Machoka described the new digital brand as a "culmination of the digital transformation journey."

"It is going to be a user-driven process and we will be doing a lot of listening," he told Kenyans.co.ke

Strategy

The rebranding will be executed in phases as highlighted in an internal memo sent to staff from NMG CEO Stephen Gitagama.

“I am delighted to announce the beginning of our digital transformation journey through the phased launch of our digital brand - Nation.Africa,” the memo read.

The new website, "Nation.Africa" will feature the new logo and different colour palettes which will change based on different segments. The Lifestyle segment which has undergone the transformation features the colour purple. Other different categories of content will have their own prominent colours. 

The second phase of the rebranding will involve the redesigning of its newspapers, namely Saturday Nation which will be launched on August 1, Sunday Nation on August 2, and Daily Nation on August 3. 

The news papers have been skillfully redesigned to world class standards with introduction of fresh wide-ranging content including new magazines focusing on uplifting human interest stories, exclusives and analysis for various demographics - from the young to the old, to the educated and the curious - that makes everyday special with a modern clean, classy and appealing design. 

Business model

The rebranding of NMG’s products has been geared to help the firm transform into a modern digital content company.

NMG has been investing heavily in the digital space which has been necessitated by the change in how news is consumed in the present times. 

Over the years print media has experienced reduced revenues due to disruption caused by the digital publishing industry where information is consumed in real time which has significantly reduced the life cycle of news.

The new frontier for news consumption is through mobile phones whose penetration is growing by the day owing to the advancement in technology and affordability of devices and data bundles. 

“Nation is evolving into a fresh new brand on all channels, but with a mobile first mindset and with the versatile African youth in focus,” Mutuma Mathiu described the transformation. 

The company will also explore a subscription model for different types of content in the near future.

Revenue

With the decline in sale of newspapers, NMG is also going to redesign its revenue model to focus on digital content and its forms of advertising.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the negative impact of the decline, which has driven media houses to cut operational costs by laying off workers

With the rebranding, NMG will explore digital advertising, e-paper subscriptions and content-driven reader revenue.

In March 2020, the company had announced that it was investing in a new state-of-the-art Ksh150 million system that would converge content production on its print, broadcast and digital platforms.

“Let me conclude by re-emphasising that although we are entering uncharted territory and it will take time to transition, I believe this will be an exciting journey with invaluable lessons for all of us. This calls for each of us to be a champion of this mission, sharing a common mindset, driven by the set of values that we live by,” NMG CEO signed off. 

The digital disruption in the media industry has also affected Nation’s competitors, The Standard, which has also redesigned its website. 

The Standard’s new website requires readers to log in with an email address to access the content. 

Although login in is free at this point, the company is monitoring user activity which will inform how it will roll out a pay wall for readers to subscribe to some or all of the content.

A newspaper stand in Kenya.
A newspaper stand in Kenya.
File

EXCLUSIVE: Maria TV Star Luwi Bags Lucrative Managerial Job

Actor Brian Ogana who plays the role of Luwi in television series Maria.
Actor Brian Ogana who plays the role of Luwi in television series Maria.

Citizen TV actor Brian Ogana who plays the role of Luwi in the Maria series on Friday, July 24 landed a lucrative managerial job with an online retail company.

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Ogana disclosed that he had accepted the position of the brand ambassador and communications strategist for Pessafy Limited company.

Having made the deal official, he will serve for a period of one year promoting the business brand nationwide. The partnership will also include collaboration on future product lines.

"My first mandate will be to equip the youth on the know-how, on how easy they can use the app without incurring unnecessary costs, especially now during the Covid-19 pandemic," he stated.

Brian Ogana signing a contract for his Brand Ambassadorial position with Pessafy App.
Brian Ogana signing a contract for his Brand Ambassadorial position with Pessafy App.
Kenyans.co.ke

Ogana expressed his commitment to engaging the youth by opening up opportunities on how to upscale their livelihoods.

"Since it is a product that will also be launched outside the country far and beyond East Africa as a whole, I want to be the person who made an impact and uplifted someone by changing their mindset on how to go by with their day to day business, in other words, it is business unusual," he explained.

The thespian dispelled fears that the new job would interfere with his current acting role in Maria, stating that they would complement each other.

"My new position will not affect what is expected of me in Maria because it is very flexible," he assured.

Ogana further stated that he was open to new challenges and he was committed to ensuring he succeded in his endeavour.

The actor who has a sizeable fanbase in a previous interview with Kenyans.co.ke, revealed that he had studied journalism in university. He later switched to communications which he practices as a communications officer/ strategist.

Prior to delving into acting, Ogana worked for a local station for almost 7 years, called it quits and went for an international media station.

He has featured in a number of local shows including Changing Times, Wash and Set, and Guy Centre.

Maria Series Actors Yasmin Said (left) and Brian Ogana (right)
Maria Series Actors Yasmin Said (left) and Brian Ogana (right).
Instagram

Citizen TV Reveals Future of Papa Shirandula Show

a
Papa Shirandula features in a football TV advert in 2014
File

Citizen TV's head of production Stanley Ngige has opened up on the future of Papa Shirandula show following the death of its main star Charles Bukeko.

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, July 22, Ngige, who has also served as the producer of the show for 15 years, disclosed that the program would have to take a different direction since Bukeko, who was popularly known as Papa Shirandula, had created many stars.

He, however, noted that the station had not definitively decided on which character from the show would take over as its lead.

"The show has to evolve with the times. It is all about creativity and production. Papa has a history of creating big names such as Njoro, Wilbroda and many others.

A file image of Citizen TV actor Charles Bukeko known to many as Papa Shirandula
A file image of Citizen TV actor Charles Bukeko known to many as Papa Shirandula
Facebook

"I was a producer of Papa Shirandula for 15 years, We have had stars come grow and exit. For now, we will take time to mourn papa. Thank God, the show had stopped when it did. We had to protect stars," he explained.

He further disclosed that the team had taken time to mourn the sudden death of the Kenyan comedy king who had been hailed as having played a huge role in changing the country's film landscape.

"The show has big options, we are not short of characters and the stars will have to sit down with the producer to determine the direction. We dont want the new stars to deliver less than what Papa did, he created a lot of big names," he explained.

Ngige also refuted claims that the curtains had closed down on the show four months ago noting that it had ceased production to protect the stars from contracting the Covid-19 virus.

The only show from the roster that never shut down its production was Inspekta Mwala which he explained that had changed its script to address the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The position was that with COVID we went slow on production to avoid putting our actors in danger. It is not that it was stopped we went on a slow production. The only way to sustain the show was to go to classics.

"Inspekta Mwala is because of law enforcement and to start awareness about Covid-19. If People are going to be arrested for not wearing a face mask, Inspekta Mwala was the best show to depict that," he explained.

Actor Kenneth Gichoya aka Njoro (left) and Kiss FM presenter Jalang'o
Actor Kenneth Gichoya aka Njoro (left) and Kiss FM presenter Jalang'o
YouTube

While appearing on Bonga na Jalas show on Wednesday, Kenneth Gichoya, popularly known as Njoro, claimed that the show had been canceled by the Kilimani-based station six months before the actor's death.

"Papa Shirandula ended six months ago when Covid-19 started," he explained.

Some of the most notable characters that were created by the show include Njoro, Wilbroda, Awinja Nyamwalo and Jalang'o among many others.

Bukeko died on the morning of Saturday, July 18, with the family noting that he faced sudden breathing complications before being rushed to Karen Hospital where he passed on.

"Mr. Charles Bukeko changed my life. All I have done in my life is because of Bukeko and I used to thank him for the opportunity. We worked together and even became a family," eulogised Jacky Vike who played the role of Awinja.

A file image of Jackie Vike known to many as Awinja
A file image of Jackie Vike known to many as Awinja
Facebook

Young KTN Presenter Whose Comedy Landed Him 3 Media Jobs

KTN presenters Hassan Umar (left) and Shuga Boy (right) on the set of Habari Za News on July 3, 2020.
KTN presenters Hassan Umar (left) and Shuga Boy (right) on the set of Habari Za News on July 3, 2020.
Instagram
Hassan Umar

The journalism profession, just like any other, has its own set of standards where one has to prove themselves to get recognised and attract a following.

The same rings true for Hassan Umar, one of the youngest presenters at the Standard Group who has managed to carve out a niche for himself, much of which he credits to his perseverance and charisma.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the young professional who confessed to being his own biggest fan stated that he got formally employed at the station even before graduating from University.

Umar started out as an intern at the Standard Media Group in 2016 in the online radio department. Due to his hardworking nature, his internship was extended twice and eventually landed three shows on both the radio and TV departments at the station.

Radio Maisha Presenter Hassan Umar in studio
Radio Maisha Presenter Hassan Umar in studio
The Standard

"After my internship ended, I focussed more on my YouTube Channel, Incredible TV where I would produce videos and share with everyone including the bosses at Standard," he explained.

Head of Radio Maisha Tom Jappani was among those who received his videos. The media boss urged Umar to stop sending him the videos but the Daystar alumnus persisted until finally one video caught the boss's eye which landed the eager intern a presenter post.

He was offered to present Maisha Extra on the weekdays from (1 am- 4 am) and when an opportunity arose when the media house decided to start KTN Burudani he was chosen to host a show Klub Maisha, on Saturdays from 8 pm to 11 pm.

Now hosting a show on KTN home called Habari Za News with co-host Shugaboy, Umar tackles news pieces with a comical twist, away from the serious nature of the headlines.

Shuga Boy, who is also a presenter at Radio Maisha recently moved to the morning show dubbed Maisha Asubuhi with Emmanuel Mwashumbe.

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"Within the brief period I've been in media, I can say I have accomplished what would be considered a dream to many journalists out there where I am on both radio and TV," Umar stated.

His advice to all aspiring journalist professionals, "Never give up, do not wait until you complete University so that you can start looking for a job. Work with what you have and build on that."

Meshack Otieno Speaks Out After Snub in Ksh32.5M Hospital Bed Tender

An image of hospital beds
Mungai Gathogo and Joseph Muhinja showcasing their jua kali hospital beds on Wednesday 15 July 2020.
Twitter

Juja-based welder Meshack Otieno on Thursday July 16, responded to a competing business landing a Ksh32.5 million tender to supply hospital beds to the government.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the welder who's hospital bed designs went viral on social media stated that he haboured no ill feelings towards the two youth in Githurai who bagged the order of 500 hospital beds.

"I am happy for the other person, and I'm praying for my time to come. This was his time but mine will also come. We couldn't all have been chosen for that and as long as youth are benefitting that is good," he told this writer over the phone.

The welder confided that contrary to what was said online, his business had not picked up despite all the hype on social media.

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He noted that there were many enquiries from the viral post but not many resulted in actual orders.

"Business did not peak as expected as the orders have not increased. My workmen are still seated idle because there is no work," he dislcosed.

He however maintained that his products were of high quality as he had received good reviews from previous clients.

On Wednesday July 15, the President's Delivery Unit (PDU) ordered 500 jua kali beds from two youths in Githurai, Mungai Gathogo (26) and Joseph Muhinja (35) who had previously been making metallic gates, window grills and doors.

"The beds that are made from locally sourced material from their workshop in Githunguri, Kiambu county, will be subjected to standardization tests by KEBS," a statement from PDU read in part. 

However, a section of Kenyans online pointed out that the order had discriminated against Otieno's team despite trending as well.

One of the hospital beds built by Meshack Otieno, a Jua Kali artisan based in Juja, Kiambu
One of the hospital beds built by Meshack Otieno, a Jua Kali artisan based in Juja, Kiambu
Twitter

Some suggested that, the Juja-based welder should also be given a share of the orders.

"Consider buying from this man too. He should also get a share of the 500 beds ordered by President Uhuru," a user Thomas Sankara observed.

PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu and Kiambu County Commissioner Wilson Wanyanga went to Githunguri to assess the beds noting that they would be a vital aid to public hospitals that are reeling under pressure of COVID-19 related hospital admissions.

PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu assessing the beds at Githunguri on July 15, 2020.
PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu assessing the beds at Githunguri on July 15, 2020.
Twitter
PDU

Wakahiu added that the Government, through the Numerical Machining Complex, would also help the young entrepreneurs and other innovators with technical skills and equipment to hasten production and improve quality.

Moses Kuria Reveals Plan to Retire From Politics

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria addressing the media on May 22,2020.
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria addressing the media on May 22, 2020.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, on Wednesday, July 15, hinted that he would be retiring from politics after his term ends.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the outspoken lawmaker explained that he might not vie for any position in 2022 even as speculations mounted over his likelihood of aiming for the presidency.

He confided in this writer that he would retire to private life.

"At the moment I am considering not vying in 2022 and retreating to my private life," he stated.

Police officers shielding Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (seated) from bouncers who wanted to eject him from BBI rally in Kitui on February 1, 2020.
Police officers shielding Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (seated) from bouncers who wanted to eject him from BBI rally in Kitui on February 1, 2020.
Daily Nation

The revelation came after a cancelled story by The Standard newspaper in which the lawmaker claimed that his lengthy sit-down with a Standard group reporter on Sunday, July 12, had been removed from the paper.

He revealed that the profile was expected to run in the paper's Friday, July 17, edition but was dropped in the last minute.

In his interview, the lawmaker told Kenyans.co.ke that he had opened up on a wide range of issues including the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and the three political leaders at the center of the handshake saga.

"We talked about a wide range of issues, a very light interview. The topics included BBI & Handshake, Uhuru, Raila, Ruto, 2022, my history and what position I will vie for in 2022.

"I had said that BBI (Building Bridges Initiative) and handshake were great initiatives but Uhuru and Raila lost it when they failed to carry the rest of the country with them. They made it a personal project for themselves," he stated.

Upon questioning who the lawmaker thought was trying to silence him, he admitted that did not know the exact individuals. "I don't know but I suspect its people who do not want me as MP of Gatundu South," he added. 

"By giving in to the dictates of the deep state, your bosses (at Standard Group) are the losers," he wrote on a Facebook post acknowledging that the article had been pulled down. 

Kenyans.co.ke reached out to the author of the said feature at The Standard Group who preferred not to comment on the matter.

In February 2019, Kuria had announced that he would vie for presidency in 2022 with his deputy as ODM leader Raila Odinga, DP William Ruto or Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

“I will vie for the presidency in 2022. I will be on the ballot. I can never go back to village jobs, I’m vying for presidency in 2022,” he stated at the time refuting claims he would contest the gubernatorial position.

The Standard Media Group Mombasa Road Offices . Thursday, October 14, 2019.
The Standard Media Group Mombasa Road Offices . Thursday, October 14, 2019
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke

Inside Ksh60 Million Salon Owned by MP Caleb Amisi [EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS]

The barbershop section of Miss White Spa at Kilimani, Nairobi.
The barbershop section of Miss White Spa at Kilimani, Nairobi.
Instagram
Miss White Spa

Nestled on Kilimani's Wood Avenue, is a high-end beauty establishment Miss White Spa which is owned by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and run by his wife Whitney Sang.

Kenyans.co.ke got an exclusive look into the commercial establishment offering an all-rounded beauty experience including a barbershop, nail bar, massage, steam room and sauna, estimated to have cost Ksh60 million.

Whitney, who's the CEO stated that the idea for the spa came after getting requests to have everything self-care related all under one roof.

The entrance to Miss White Spa located at Kilimani Wood Avenue, Nairobi.
The entrance to Miss White Spa located at Kilimani Wood Avenue, Nairobi.
Michael Musyoka

"After travelling the world and seeing how other salons are run in other parts of the world, we wanted to bring that elegance home and give people an international experience," she told this writer.

At the entrance, a customer is welcome by the eyecatching modern decor and the courteous staff at the reception.

"We are advising our clients to make appointments so that we can also space them out to observe social distancing rules with Covid-19," the CEO divulged.

The salon section of Miss White Spa
The salon section of Miss White Spa
Michael Musyoka

The spacious establishment is well defined with separate sections for the barbershop and the salon. The establishment is also child-friendly with kids-seats in the space.

The premise oozes of opulence as it is furnished using imported high-class furniture to give the best experience to its clients.

A hair-cut from a team of well-trained barbers led by celebrity barber, hair designer and stylist Armstrong Andira will set you back Ksh1,000. Other services are charged separately. Also in the space is the nail bar and individual sections for pedicures.

A client having a pedicure at Miss White Spa
A client having a pedicure at Miss White Spa
Michael Musyoka

Massage services are also offered in private rooms at the premise with many clients preferring the Swedish massage which focusses on the body tissues and the sports massage for people who work out in the gyms.

In the quiet and homely rooms, one can also get a facial and a full-body scrub. The spa also has consultations with medial practitioners who give their professional opinion on treatment for clients.

A massage room at Miss White Spa located at Kilimani Wood Avenue, Nairobi.
A massage room at Miss White Spa located at Kilimani Wood Avenue, Nairobi.
Michael Musyoka

Miss White Spa also boasts of having one of the rare saunas in the city, also available is a steam bath.

For those who value their privacy, the private wing is also available where one is charged 20% more than the regular clients.

The establishment mainly targets high-end clients with those who have frequented the spa including comedian Eric Omondi, a number of legislators including Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Charles Njagua (Starehe) and even ODM leader Raila Odinga graced the launch in 2019.

ODM Leader Raila Odinga getting a haircut at Miss White Spa in Nairobi in December 2019.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga getting a haircut at Miss White Spa in Nairobi in December 2019.
Instagram

An employee at the establishment, Shikanda Anne exclaimed that they take pride in offering their clients a wholesome experience.

"We strive to make it a safe and comfortable place for our clients. We go the extra mile for them," she assured.

The spa moved to its current location in 2019 and currently has 30 employees. 

Here are more photos of the Spa:

The pedicure section of the salon at Miss White Spa.
The pedicure section of the salon at Miss White Spa.
Michael Musyoka
The Sauna at Miss White Spa.
The Sauna at Miss White Spa.
Michael Musyoka
The massage rooms at  Miss White Spa located at Kilimani
The massage rooms at Miss White Spa located at Kilimani, Nairobi.
Michael Musyoka
Miss White Spa Whitney Sang (Right), Stylist Armstrong Andira  (centre) and Anne Shikanda (left).
Miss White Spa Whitney Sang (Right), Stylist Armstrong Andira (centre) and Anne Shikanda (left).
Michael Musyoka

NTV's Salim Swaleh Appointed Manager After Mass Firing

NTV anchor Salim Swaleh in the studio on September 17, 2019.
NTV anchor Salim Swaleh in the studio on September 17, 2019.
Instagram

NTV anchor Salim Swaleh is set to take over the Swahili desk as the managing editor, Kenyans.co.ke has learned.

Sources with knowledge of developments at the Nation Media Group (NMG) disclosed that the Swahili anchor was appointed to the managerial position in an acting capacity.

Salim will be replacing Shaban Ulaya who was fired alongside other journalists in an announcement on Friday, July 3.

His roles in the position will include handling of both editorial and administrative matters touching on the Swahili department.

NTV Journalists from right: Kennedy Murithi, Jane Ngoiri and Salim Swaleh.
NTV Journalists from right: Kennedy Murithi, Jane Ngoiri and Salim Swaleh.

The seasoned anchor joined NTV in June 2018, after quitting Citizen TV a month prior. He was assigned the role of a senior news anchor, news producer, and African affairs expert and researcher.

Swaleh's appointment comes as the media station announced plans of restructuring its departments in readiness to adopt a new business model.

This saw a notice of the layoff which is said to be targeting over 100 members of staff. 

Already the redundancies have cut across the newsroom with those targeted being from multiple departments. 

On Friday, July 3, NTV Anchors Ken Mijungu, Debarl Inea, and Harith Salim were terminated from the station.

Also affected were Brenda Wanga (news reporter), Sharon Baranga (reporter), Lillian Kiarie (business reporter), and Silas Apollo (news reporter).

In the newspaper department, Business Daily Managing Editor Ng’ang’a Mbugua and Daily Nation News Editor Francis Wanyonyi Wambilianga are among the seniormost staffers said to have been let go. 

NMG Group CEO Stephen Gitama announced that the layoff was part of the remodeling by the company by shifting its business model from print advertising and physical reader copy to digital advertising, e-paper subscriptions, and content-driven reader revenue.

“This will require re-tooling and resourcing the group with relevance skill sets critical for success in the new business environment. Regrettably, this will result in a reduction of our workforce effective Friday, July 3, 2020,” he stated.

Nation Media Group CEO Stephen Gitagama.
Nation Media Group CEO Stephen Gitagama.
Daily Nation

Maria Series: Meet Tekno, Engineering Graduate With Street Smarts

Anthony Ashioya portraying his character Takno on the Maria Series
Anthony Ashioya portraying his character Tekno on the Maria Series
Instagram
Anthony Ashioya

Anthony Ashioya who portrays the role of Tekno an electrical technician in the popular Maria Series on Citizen TV is one of the most recognisable faces on TV.

The seasoned actor who is also a commercial and print model spoke to Kenyans.co.ke where delved into his journey into the arts including how he ditched a career in Engineering to pursue the arts.

Describing himself as a Kenyan who is full of life, open-minded, a fan of hip-hop music, and a supporter of Manchester United, Ashioya assures that he is that guy, who when you are around, you can’t get bored.

You studied Engineering in campus, what made you choose to pursue arts instead?

I did Electrical Engineering at Zetech University, but my heart was not in it. In fact, during my campus days, I'd go for shoots and runway shows. After graduating, I chose to follow my passion so I went into arts and now here I am.

Anthony Ashioya who plays the role of Tekno in Citizen TV's Maria Series.
Anthony Ashioya who plays the role of Tekno in Citizen TV's Maria Series.
Instagram

In the show, you play an electrical repairman, has your background in Engineering helped you portray the role better?

Yes, it has, because I'm required to do some electrical work while acting which is things I am familiar with because I am not new to that kind of set up.

How would you describe Tekno and how do you relate with your character? 

Tekno is an Electrical technician (fundi wa stima) in the ghetto. He's street smart. Some call him a troublemaker. He's also a friend though unreliable sometimes. Mostly he is always in trouble but since he is smart he always gets himself out of trouble and that makes most people view him as double-sided but hey, "it is what it is."

How alike and different are you to your character?

I personally relate with the role because in real life one needs to be a Tekno most of the time where you see trouble from miles away and you duck it. You have to be smart out there.

What's the most challenging part about playing Tekno?

The most challenging part about playing Tekno is the misconception people nowadays have about me that I can't be trusted. They often take my character as me, really people?

Anthony Ashioya as Tekno (right) with Beatrice Dorea Chege (Maggy) in Citizen TV's drama series Maria
Anthony Ashioya as Tekno (right) with Beatrice Dorea Chege (Maggy) in Citizen TV's drama series Maria
Instagram

What should we expect from Tekno as the series progresses?

Well, Tekno doesn't promise anything to anyone. All I can say is expect more surprises because that's what i'm about to serve you.

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?

Pupa. He always has funny stories of how he's had narrow escapes every weekend - It's usually drama galore!

Which other productions have you appeared in?

I have featured in shows like Varshita (Moonbeam productions), Sue na Johnny (Phil it productions). In film, I have featured in 18 Hours (rocque pictures), Lockdown (Afroimagination), KIU (blink productions. I have done TV commercials and billboards I have shot for Jambojet, Madison insurance, KCB weka weka, Guinness, Imperial leather just to mention but a few.

How many years have you been in acting and what motivated you to get into acting?

I have been acting professionally for five years now roughly, but it is something I have been doing ever since I was young when I was in Sunday school.

Anthony Ashioya is also a print and commercial model
Anthony Ashioya is also a print and commercial model
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What’s the greatest lesson you've learned from acting?

The greatest lesson I have learned so far is that the greatest mistake one can do is think that he/she has mastered the craft. Each day is an opportunity to better your craft.

How do you prepare for auditions? 

I first decide the role I want to go for, read through the script, and internalise by myself. I then rehearse at least twice, once by myself, and later with someone else. When I get to the audition room I give my all.

What do you think should change in Kenya's film industry to grow it?

I think it is about time we write and produce more of our authentic Kenyan stories. That is the only way the world out there will get to see and know more of our culture. A lot of Kenyan stories haven't been done yet and they are good stories the world would want to watch for example the stories of Wangari Maathai, Tom Mboya, Mekatilili wa Menza, The Kapenguria 6, Our story of independence and so much more. 

What are some of the misconceptions about acting or modelling that you've had to overcome?

There have been a lot of misconceptions in the acting industry, most people tend to think that this is an easy way in life. Some think that since you appear on TV that now you are rich. Most think since you've bagged your first modeling gig that you are now a big shot. Lastly, people think it's easy to make it in the industry.

What is that issue that is hardly ever addressed in conversations about the industry that you'd like to get more prominence?

The issue of pay is usually sidelined like it is not important to an extent that if you ask for better pay you seem to be overpricing yourself. It's simple, the production houses should pay the actors/models their worth. 

Poster for the web series Lockdown where Anthony Ashioya stars in.
Poster for the web series Lockdown in which Anthony Ashioya stars in.

What else are you into... Hobbies?

I love traveling. I am an outgoing person, anything that involves fun in it is all game. I dance as well. Plus when idle, together with my friends, we hang out in the studio. You never know, someday I might decide to drop a mixtape as well (laughs).

Are you dating?

Take a guess... Yes, I am, but I keep the details private.

Advice to my younger self?

Advice to my young self is to never regret what I have done in the past. Focus on yourself, work hard more, play more, love more, risk more in life and make mistakes and live your life since we only got one to live 

Words you live by…

The best thing in life is life.

Anthony also stars as Albo in the Swahili telenovela Kina and he leverages on social media to connect with his fans and update them more on his future projects and plans.