Edith Kimani, 21, winner of 'The Presenter' and host of Sunrise Live at KTN, talks to SHIRLEY GENGA about her experience so far
How would you describe yourself?
Wow! I wish I could do thatÉsummarise myself in a few words. I really can’t. I guess I am a combination of many characters, but science would say I am choleric (easily angered).
How was your childhood? Were you naughty or the teacher’s pet?
That is a tricky question. To my mum, I must have been the sneakiest little thing, but to my teachers I was a darling. I have two younger sisters, so I’m the firstborn. I know it is hard to imagine.
What was your dream job and why?
I never really had one. What I knew though was that I wouldn’t be a doctor. It was not on top of the list of things I wanted to be; I’m too squeamish. I also imagined I would do something that doesn’t involve an office and a tonne of paperwork.
How has your life changed since winning ‘The Presenter’?
Everything has changed. Some opportunities have opened up sooner than I ever dreamed. There are also things I can no longer do. It’s a double-edged knife. I have made some sacrifices, but I continue to be rewarded.
Have you always wanted to be a television presenter or was it a late dream?
I had toyed with the idea a couple of times, but never seriously. That is not to say I am not enjoying it thoroughly and taking everything I can from it.
What drove you to try out the auditions?
My sister. She persistently asked me to try out and I figured I had nothing to lose. My going into the competition was actually for her and yes, I owe her big now.
What was going through your mind when you were announced the winner?
How long have you hosted the breakfast show on KTN and how has the experience been?
I have been hosting KTN ‘Sunrise Live’ for about a year now. It is one of those experiences I cannot yet mould into words. Every morning is a different experience. It is such a wonderful experience and there is no monotony.
What was it like the first time you hosted the show?
I was terribly nervous, to be honest. I kept thinking if I go through the first hour, I could conquer the show. The excitement didn’t kick in until the third hour.
What are some of the challenges of hosting the show?
Waking up early. Imagine my call time is 4.30am, so I need to be up well before that. I have had to learn how to be a morning person. Secondly, being a morning show, it is ideally the first thing you see on television. Not only does the face of the show need to be refreshing, but the content as well. That is not always easy to achieve.
What do you love about hosting the show?
Everything. Really, I enjoy every minute of it. The thing about Sunrise is it touches on all aspects of presenting. I have to conduct interviews and read both business and sports news. It is a challenge I am handling positively.
Are you still a student at USIU and if so, how do you balance work and school?
Yes. I am doing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and it is hectic, especially during exams. Luckily, both KTN and USIU are flexible. My working hours allow me to attend class and USIU also has class hours designed for working students.
You landed a job before joining campus, what drives you to still go to school?
I see it as a graph — careers are variables and knowledge will always remain a constant. Besides, no one cares who or where you work if you cannot back it up with knowledge.
Do people in school or on the street treat you differently because you are on TV?
Not really in school. USIU has had its fair share of ‘celebrities’. I have, however, had to adjust to more and more people recognising me on the streets.
What are some of the pressures of being in the public eye and how do you deal with them?
Wow! Where do I begin? Perception has been my greatest battle. People have a belief of who or what I should be and falling short of some of those expectations has not been an easy ride. It is also difficult to have my family read negative things about me because they are hit harder.
You got the opportunity to study at Hillcrest through a scholarship, tell us about that.
I got a drama scholarship just as I was beginning my first term in Form Two. The whole process was really fast and a couple of days later, I was in the school.
What was it like moving from a humble public high school to Hillcrest?
Nothing I had expected. Everyone from the administration, to the teaching staff, the students and the auxiliary staff was warm and hospitable.
What were the specific benefits of being at Hillcrest?
This article would never end if I tried to make that list. Hillcrest gave me a different outlook on life. The who is who in this society takes their children there yet I never felt out of place. Money is not everything was the biggest lesson I learnt. I made lifelong friends there including my teachers. It really is a good school and I cannot stress enough how lucky I was to have been a student there.
Are you dating?
Do I have to answer this question? Is it harder to date while working on television? Hahaha! You won’t stop that dating question, will you?
Future plans?
To take everything that comes my way in stride and to remain true to my family, my friends and myself.
Stop. Being you is the biggest favour you can do yourself. Love and respect yourself and learn what advice to take and what to discard. Listening to bad vibe will only poison your spirit.
What was your most embarrassing moment on television?
ÉmmmhhÉuuuhhh..I haven’t had one worth mentioning.
If you were allowed to wear anything to the show, what would you pick?
I actually like what I wear. Maybe I would occasionally throw in jeans though.
What are some of the crazy things that go on behind the scenes on TV?
Hahaha! WellÉ Karani for one can be really goofy, which is very hilarious. There are often random debates about relationships and Gor Mahia (FC) with the crew.
Who is your favourite presenter and why?
Janet Mbugua has always been on top of my list. She has an undeniable flair on air. Internationally, Riz Khan of Aljazeera for his I-am-not-really-trying demeanour.
What is your vanity, is it shoes, clothesÉ?
Shoes. No, clothesÉno, bagsÉDo I have to pick one?
What is your worst habit?
BurpingÉyep. I do that a lot and I do it shamelessly too. Just ask my mum.
