Walter Nyambaga: From Hawker to RMS TV Reporter

Ramogi TV Presenters pose for a photo during the launch of the TV station on Monday, November 29,
Ramogi TV Presenters pose for a photo during the launch of the TV station on Monday, November 29,
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A glance at reporters and anchors at Royal Media Services (RMS) can make one believe that their rise to the epitome of their careers was elementary, but that is farther from the truth. 

In the case of Ramogi TV reporter Walter Nyambaga, his grit and desire pushed him from the dark times in his life, hawking kitchenware and earning Ksh45 a day to gracing the TV screens of one of the most renowned media houses. 

Speaking on Hot 96 FM, Nyambaga detailed how his perceived meteoric rise to a TV reporter was not without its fair share of challenges. 

Ramogi TV presenters, Cleophas Olouch (left) and Walter Nyambaga at RMS studios on April 17, 2022.
Ramogi TV presenters, Cleophas Olouch (left) and Walter Nyambaga at RMS studios on April 17, 2022.
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The son of a roof thatcher, Nyambaga was born and bred in Nyanza. He later relocated to Nairobi in search of a livelihood.

His first job entailed working as a shop attendant at a local shop in Nairobi. In a bid to supplement his income, Nyambaga hawked in the busy streets within the Central Business District (CBD), selling kitchen cutlery and earning Ksh45 a day.

Driven by the pursuit of excellence, the journalist honed his skill in marketing by learning how to interact with customers on a day-to-day basis. He earned the trait of being a believable communicator who could sell anything to anyone.

From selling kitchenware to fish products, Nyambaga was determined to succeed at all costs.

Fortune came knocking at his door when he took the advice of friends who encouraged him to venture into the media industry. 

"I got into the media industry when somebody told me that I could be a great journalist. I went back to college in Kisii, paying as little as Ksh200 and carrying a note requesting to pay the fees at a later date," he stated. 

He proceeded for his internship at Radio Tarumbeta in Migori and was nurtured by journalists Paul Odhiambo and Nick Mule on the basic skills in the radio profession. He noted how many people perceived him as a rich personality- despite the fact that he was surviving from his own pocket.  

"I got a call for another local radio station but for eight months, I did a morning radio show without earning a salary. I was still surviving from friends and savings."

With the hopes of finding a silver lining, Nyambaga was offered a job to work as a correspondent at Ebru TV by former Citizen TV reporter, Victor Wetende (he currently works as a communications director at the county government of Vihiga). 

Nyambaga later found an advert online indicating that RMS was looking for anchors and reporters for its newly-launched Ramogi TV. He applied for the role and was shortlisted among hundreds of applicants. 

"Weeks later, I was the final person to be called for an interview where someone had to demonstrate their capabilities through a screen test. Fortunately, I got the job," he noted.

A signboard showing Royal Media Services (RMS) broadcast stations along Dennis Pritt Road.
A signboard showing Royal Media Services (RMS) broadcast stations along Dennis Pritt Road.
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