Star radio and TV presenter

By Franklin Okutoyi

Esther Mwende is a presenter with Radio Maisha, a radio station owned by Standard Group. She joined the media industry in 2007 as an intern and news reporter at Baraka Fm.

Mwende was first employed as a presenter at Sheki Fm in 2009 and later moved to Radio Kaya before joining Radio Maisha as a presenter in 2010.

She hosts a mid morning show, Staarabika and co-hosts the popular Tukuza show on KTN and Radio Maisha on Sunday.

She advises you to work hard towards achieving your dreams. She answered questions from pupils of St Elizabeth Academy in Karen, Nairobi.

Rebecca Atieno, 12 years.

What is a journalist not allowed to do while on duty? Are journalists more educated and informed than other people in society?

Mwende: A journalist is supposed to be focused and a sharp thinker. She/he is supposed to be trustworthy and fair while covering or reporting news because a journalist’s role is to give and pass information in a fair and honest manner. He or she is not required to do the opposite. I don’t think journalists are the most educated people in society though they are always informed because they get information first.

Fiona Mwangi, 12 years old.

How does being a journalist feel like? Do you sometimes regret choosing journalism as your career?

Mwende: It feels great and I’m honored being a journalist. I feel so because as a journalist, you get the opportunity to interact with different people, which gives one a chance to learn more. I love my job and I therefore don’t regret choosing it as my career. I think one can regret only if they are in a profession they don’t love and appreciate.

Malak George, 12 years.

What am I supposed to do today to become a good journalist in future? What are some of the challenges that face journalists?

Mwende: Make sure you excel in languages such as English and Kiswahili. Being good in languages gives you an advantage because one is required to be fluent and eloquent not only when reading news or reporting, but also when writing. One challenge journalists face is, one can be woken up at 1am to go cover an event.

Mark Anthony, 12 years.

Is it true that journalists are not supposed to have scars on their faces? What if a journalist is injured in an accident? Does that mean the journalist’s contract will be terminated?

Mwende: It is important especially when you are a TV anchor to look good and have no scars because image is everything. However, it may not be true that an employee can lose their job in case they get disfigured. They can be allowed to work in other departments as they wait to heal.