Celebrated radio presenter Maina Kageni has opened up about his life in a candid quick-fire interview, revealing details about his education, career, family, and personal interests that many of his fans may not have known. The popular host of the Maina and King’ang’i show shared fascinating insights that provide a deeper understanding of his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Kenya’s most influential radio personalities.
Maina’s career began in an unexpected way. In a surprising revelation, he admitted that his first job was at a credit card company called Royal Card, which was owned by media mogul SK Macharia, his uncle. He reminisced about earning KSh 42,000 in 1993, a salary that allowed him to drive a company car despite his relatively modest beginnings. Before hitting the big time in radio, Maina worked behind the scenes, managing receipts at the company. “I used to deal with receipts at Royal Card. It belongs to SK Macharia, my uncle,” he said. This early work experience played a significant role in shaping his work ethic and approach to his career.
Maina also opened up about his education, noting that he didn’t quite follow the traditional path. His mother sent him to the UK for university, but Maina admitted he never attended class and instead spent his tuition money. Despite his lack of formal education, he revealed that he was among the top students in Kenya when it came to history, though he didn’t enjoy mathematics. “I was not wired for that kind of cramming,” he shared. “8-4-4 was not for me.” Instead, Maina pursued a career in radio, where his natural talent and charisma quickly made him a household name. He fondly recalled how every day at work felt like an adventure. “My favorite thing about doing radio is that no two days are the same, so every day is an adventure,” he said, reflecting on his passion for the craft.
When it comes to family, Maina had nothing but admiration for his mother, describing her as his best friend. He shared how his mother’s support helped him achieve his dreams, despite the unconventional route he took. Maina also revealed some personal interests, such as his love for Manchester United and his disdain for rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. “The last time I cried was when Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4. Tears of joy came out of nowhere,” he recalled with a smile.
He also opened up about his hidden talent—recording songs both in Kenya and the UK—a side of Maina that his fans may not have known about.
Maina’s success is evident not only in his career but also in his lifestyle. He proudly shared that he now drives his dream car, a BMW X6 M Sport, and owns three cars. He also disclosed that his M-Pesa balance stood at KSh 47,000, a testament to his financial stability. His most recent vacation took him to Mombasa, where he spent around KSh 600,000, enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. As a man who has achieved great success, Maina’s most memorable lesson in life came down to pursuing dreams when young and being cautious with investments as one grows older.
One of the highlights of Maina’s interview was his praise for his co-host, Mwalimu King’ang’i, who he described as the funniest, kindest person he knows. “He makes waking up worth it,” Maina said, emphasizing the deep camaraderie they share on air. The duo’s chemistry is a big part of why their show remains so popular with listeners.
In a more controversial statement, Maina also shared his views on the traditional African funeral practices, expressing his desire to be cremated rather than have a conventional burial. “I want to be cremated just a day after passing,” he said, criticizing the financial burden that traditional funerals often place on families. Maina raised a point about the unnecessary expenses of flying bodies from abroad for burial, something he believes is wasteful.
Maina’s quick-fire interview gave fans a glimpse into the man behind the microphone—his passions, struggles, and the lessons he’s learned over the years. From his humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Maina Kageni’s journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles. His honesty and humor continue to resonate with his listeners, making Maina and King’ang’i one of the most beloved shows on radio in Kenya. As Maina moves forward in his career, it’s clear that every day remains a new adventure, filled with opportunities to connect with his audience and share his unique perspective on life.
