Radio Maisha presenter Mate Tongola has arguably earned himself a spot in the annals of history for his top-notch journalistic skills, cutting across the media landscape.
From writing, reporting, production and airing Reggae Splash every weekend on Radio Maisha, Tongola is a jack of all trades.
His career took an upward trajectory when he joined Standard Media Group in 2010 as a reporter before rising through the ranks.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, he revealed how he has mastered the art of not keeping all his eggs in one basket as he runs a courier service company, Maleek's Courier.
Tongola detailed how he ventured into the courier service industry after falling victim to exploitative service providers as he tried to send parcels outside the country.
"The purpose was to curb the exorbitant prices. I was a victim once and ended up almost paying Ksh7,000 to get my certificate to London. I had to enquire from an international courier who informed me of the lucrative industry," he stated.
Through this, the journalist birthed the idea of running his own courier service at the beginning of 2020 before the onset of the pandemic. He named the business after his son, Maleek Tongola.
Tongola noted that the travel restrictions across various countries were a blessing in disguise as cargo flights were still in operation.
This ultimately boosted his business with more customers seeking shipping services to and from different countries.
According to Tongola, Maleek's Courier is ideal for customers who value efficiency, affordability and quick shipping solutions.
"The aim is to provide customers with the quickest and most efficient shipping solutions and deliver packages with lightning quickness. My mantra is if it's not urgent, you don't need us."
He added that his service charges are lower than the standard rates from his competitors which incorporate insurance levies due to overnight expenses incurred over a long period of time.
The courier service currently works across Dubai, London, Ghana, France, Netherlands. He noted that his future plans for the service are to revolutionise the delivery game by offering the quickest solutions for shipping services.
"Initially a phone would take a week or a month but now there is an alternative. For instance, I am the only courier company that transports cheese before it spoils," he noted.
On a good day, the presenter affirmed that he makes a killing due to operating in different countries while considering exchange rates.
"It's a good amount because I operate in different states, dealing with Kenya shillings, dollars, naira, and kwacha. I also pay taxes so I'm aiding in the government's stance on tax obligations," the journalist comically stated.
On the current uncertainty within the media industry that has seen mass exits and firings, Tongola advised upcoming journalists to know their worth and be versatile in the space.
