NTV news anchor Fridah Mwaka has shared a powerful and emotional story of resilience, recounting her early struggles in Nairobi before becoming a celebrated face on Kenyan television. Despite the glamorous image she portrayed on-screen, her personal journey was marked by adversity, sacrifice, and moments of humiliation.
When Mwaka first arrived in Nairobi, she joined the Kenya Television Network (KTN) as a news presenter. But behind the scenes, her life was anything but easy. Without a car of her own, she relied on matatus to commute daily, a reality that sometimes exposed her to ridicule and isolation—even from fellow media colleagues.
In a heartfelt video, she described how she would alight at Bobmill Complex along Mombasa Road and walk to the Standard Media offices, often navigating the chaos of traffic and unpredictable weather. Despite her growing visibility on TV, some coworkers treated her with disdain simply because she didn’t drive. One moment that stood out for her was when a colleague blatantly ignored her greeting, later admitting they didn’t see her as being in their “class.”
Mwaka recounted a particularly painful memory when she had to fill in for fellow anchor Ali Manzu during the 4 pm news. On her way to work, she was caught in a downpour, and a passing lorry splashed mud all over her green dress. As she stood in tears, worried about her appearance and lack of a change of clothes, a well-known MP spotted her and recognized her from the road. It was a deeply embarrassing moment for the young journalist, and she turned to prayer, asking for strength and dignity.
One of the most surprising revelations from her journey was when the same MP, touched by her situation, took her to a showroom on Ngong Road and offered to buy her a car worth KSh 2.5 million. Despite the generous offer, Mwaka declined. She admitted she wasn’t sure if it was a wise decision, but fear and uncertainty as a newcomer in Nairobi influenced her choice.
As her career progressed, Mwaka remained grounded and committed to her calling, even during tense national moments. During the protests on June 12, sparked by the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, she was out in the field covering the unfolding demonstrations. A video shared on her Instagram captured the intensity of the day, showing the moment a teargas canister hit the windscreen of the vehicle she was in.
Fridah Mwaka’s story is a moving reminder that the road to success is rarely smooth. Her journey from being overlooked and humiliated to standing tall as a respected news anchor is a testament to resilience, faith, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
