It is normal to hear stories of individuals who have triumphed over adversity to make it in life.
However, the experiences that some people, particularly in Kenya have undergone to achieve incredible milestones are not only inspiring but also eye opening.
The story of Radio Maisha sports presenter Stephen Mukangai is one such tale.
Mukangai was born in Western Kenya, precisely Malava Constituency in a village called Namshiya.
He started his primary education at Namshiya Primary School before proceeding to Ingotse High School, domiciled in Navakholo, Kakamega County.
After completing his post-primary education, the cheerful sports commentator joined the Kenya College of Communication Technology (KCCT), present day Multimedia University of Kenya where his journalistic skills were honed.
In a recent interview, Mukangai narrated the struggles that he went through since his arrival to the capital city, Nairobi in 2008 to pursue his dreams.
According to the Swahili commentator, life was difficult back then, since he was new to the city and had no one to depend on.
Mukangai revealed that to survive the city life, he turned to median jobs like toilet cleaning, to put food on the table and pay rent for a room in Mashimoni, Kibera slums.
“At first the job was easy, I was tasked with cleaning the washrooms. Later it became quite difficult since we started to lift bags of cement and bricks. I did the mjengo job for around 5 to 6 months.
“I used to walk from Kibera all the way to Gachie, Kiambu County. Usually, I would leave my house at around 3am in the morning,” he told Ronny TV.
Mukangai, who revealed that he sometimes went to bed on an empty stomach, would relocate to Mlango Kubwa, after making a few coins.
It was while at Mlango Kubwa that he decided to try his luck and went to the Standard Media Group headquarters, located along Mombasa road, uninvited, to meet veteran sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali.
His first attempt was fruitless, however, while he was in deep thoughts in his house on one particular day, he received a call from Hassan who asked for another meeting at the Standard Group.
The meeting went on successfully, and soon after he was invited to co-host a radio show with a man who he credits for the success in his career.
“Hassan told me to be at Standard by 7am 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,” he divulged.
Mukangai’s breakthrough came weeks later when he impressed during a live football commentary involving Kenyan clubs.
“It was in 2010, a match between Red Berets vs Ulinzi Stars. After five minutes into the match, Ali switched off the mic and told me that 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.
His advice to anyone who is experiencing hardship in life, is to have 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,” ended Mukangai.
