Finally, The Presenter unveiled

After 16 weeks of competition in a television academy, Edith Kimani is crowned presenter with Kenya’s premier TV station, KTN.

By Susan Anyangu and Lucianne Limo

After a record competition in the Television Academy, Ms Edith Kimani, the only female finalist, has been crowned The Presenter.

The ultimate winner Edith Kimani.

Standard Group Deputy Chairman Paul Melly (right) and Managing Director Paul Wanyagah (left) with Yu Chief Execitive Officer Srinivasa Iyengar at the function at Laico Regency,Nairobi, on Sunday.

The winner’s mother Mrs Sarah Kimani and her sisters Samantha and Pauline celebrate the victory.

Finalists (from left) Gitobu Koome, Edith Kimani and James Karani are received by KTN Presenter Lilian Muli at the Laico Regency.

Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Strategy Advisor Paul Melly congratulated Edith, saying by emerging the winner, she would be required to re-orient her personal life, discipline and maturity.

At a colourful grand finale at the Laico Regency Hotel, Nairobi, last night, Edith became tops, winning a lucrative contract with KTN in partnership with mobile service provider Yu.

"After months of intrigues, Edith now joins the talented team of KTN presenters," Melly said, adding that the station would continue providing quality entertainment.

Group Managing Director Paul Wanyaga said KTN was not just a television station but also a lifestyle and a way of living.

After being pronounced winner, an emotional Edith promised to dazzle the viewers as the latest presenter in the leading television station.

"The energy will not die. I lost my father a month ago and this winning will be the beginning of the healing," she said. KTN promised to find a role for the runners up.

Production concepts

Sixteen weeks ago, 20 contestants selected in auditions in Nairobi and Mombasa entered the academy and were introduced to various concepts of television production.

One finalist Gitobu Koome, 24, pursuing a music degree at Kenyatta University, said his time in the academy "was a nice gesture by KTN and Yu as it was like a job interview where you have to think on your feet, only this time you get training and mentorship by big names in the industry".

James Karani, 23, said he has for many years desired to join the media. He is also a student at Kenyatta University pursuing Bachelor of Arts.

KTN’s production manager Michael Ndetei said 20 contestants were selected.

"After the auditions, those who were selected to participate in the show were put in a TV Academy," Ndetei says.