Inooro TV presenter, Kihara Mwangi, is arguably one of the acclaimed vernacular presenters, with his show Menya Kihoto Giaku (Know Your Rights) gaining massive popularity.
His journey in the media has not been all rosy, as the journalist was once a driver earning Ksh6,000 to retrieve and deliver documents around the Central Business District for a local accounting firm.
Speaking to Reke Ciume na Ene, the presenter recalled that he landed the job after relocating from his rural home in Mau Narok, Nakuru County.
Working at an accounting firm was strenuous at the time, owing to the long shifts and other demands.
After amassing three years, Mwangi quit and resorted to acting. He found a casting call looking for extras at a local show in KTN - an opportunity he seized immediately.
"Many people told me about my voice and how to leverage it. I was able to do it, and later on, when I shifted to Mt Kenya TV," he noted.
Media Journey
He was promised a hefty salary and allowances for the first three months of his tenure at the station.
"At Mt Kenya TV, I was told that I would be catered for in terms of salaries. I received grooming, entertainment, fuel, airtime allowances and salaries. We were treated well for the first three months, but after that, things fell apart," he pointed out, stating that he didn't receive salaries thereafter.
Mwangi hosted a show that delved deep into the latest farming techniques. This began on a slow trajectory but ultimately became one of the most watched pieces in the station. He climbed the ranks and grew from a show host to the Head of Production.
Shift to Inooro TV
A colleague then advised him to interview for Inooro TV.
"When I joined Inooro TV, I did not know I would host the Menya Kihoto show. Word went around that we were jostling to replace Waithira wa Muithirania (a seasoned and renowned vernacular presenter). I saw it as a distinguished honour to try to fill her shoes," he indicated.
While appearing for the screen test, he was gauged on laws centred around matrimonial property, with interviewers seeking to understand his suitability for the role.
"I did a great introduction and went on to discuss the topic in depth. Two months later, I was informed that I got the job," he stated.
The opportunity opened doors for him as he landed mega advertisement slots on TV where he would earn an average of Ksh200,000.
