It is arguably every journalist's dream to grace the screens during prime time bulletin, owing to the glitz and glamour that come with it. But how many would decline such a lucrative opportunity?
In the case of Inooro TV presenter cum producer, Simon Kibe, he passed up on an opportunity to anchor news alongside the likes of Michael Njenga, Ken wa Kuraya and Winrose Wangui- all based on a gut feeling.
Speaking at a past career talk at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the Inooro TV presenter noted that his journey would come full circle as he couldn't imagine getting the opportunity to realise his dream.
He noted that at a young age, he sought to serve a higher purpose in his life by making a positive impact on others.
While in his second year at JKUAT pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Kibe joined the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and worked for Coro FM.
This ultimately helped him to offset his campus fees. Upon graduation, he joined KBC on a full-time basis for one and a half years.
He later jumped ship to the Royal Media Services (RMS) where he joined Inooro TV. He pointed out that he was initially offered an opportunity to be a news anchor but declined to focus on creative programs.
His first idea was Njeraini citu- a prison program that highlights the convicts' stories and gives them a chance to give their points of view.
"Initially, I was called to do news anchoring with the likes of Michael Njenga but I said No. I wanted to be creative. There's no family in this country that has no prison story. I knew the stories would gain a massive interest," he stated.
His second program, titled Wathe ti kwiremwo, highlighted the potential of disabled people in their respective arts and skills. The show embodied the phrase, disability is not inability.
In addition, his third program, Wathire ku, focused on airing the stories of those who have disappeared mysteriously.
He added that the shows brought a breath of fresh air to the way human interest stories were being told.
"The industry is waiting for you, you just need to be creative. Be responsive to societal needs and harness the vital skills that are needed in journalism such as creativity and multitasking," he stated.
