Here is the story of the man and women behind Big Fish, your favorite fish vendors

CELEBRATING THE FEMALE RADIO WEEK

BY MOUREEN CHEPKORIR AND MUKAMI MUNGAI

The female radio week is celebrated on the February 15 globally. This day is meant to celebrate all women’s voices behind radio. Radio presentation has come off age. It is a career that for many decades was dominated by men. If you happened to turn your radio on, it is obvious that you would be welcomed by a hoarse male voice.

It is said change is as good as rest. This change has made more and more women come out of the cocoon and embrace radio journalism career and steer it to further heights, expand listenership and become a voice for the voiceless in the society. Women presenters are now handling topical issues like; health, women empowerment, nutrition, economy and leadership.

Winnie Chepkorir Ruto also known to her listeners as Koririo is a household name. Her shows on KASS FM have endeared her to her fans and you cannot fail to notice the ease at which she handles her fans. Born in Bomet County 32 years ago, Mrs. Ruto knew she was made for radio. “Mine was both a calling and a talent. I began developing interest in media while in form 2.back then, I did not have anyone to mentor me in journalism. After my secondary studies, I enquired from a neighbor who was then working in KBC and he gave me few tips about the media, “she says.

To hone her presentation skills, she attended the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) to pursue a diploma in film and video production. After graduation she secured a radio job at KASS FM and from then on she has never looked behind. She is among the pioneer ladies in the station. She hosts the famous Tuesday late night show TWOLYOT which focuses on family issues. She also presents the mid morning shows from Monday to Thursday and a singles night on Thursdays.

She appreciates that the media in Kenya has grown in the last decade and many female presenters are dominating the once male territory. “Nowadays the employers are employing both male and female presenters. There is also freedom of speech, “she adds.

Being married with two children and a career that is so demanding, she tells me that she has managed to balance her life to avoid any misunderstanding.

Her encouragement to aspiring media presenters is, “join it for the right reasons, to inform and educate and love what you do, “she concludes.

Caroline Jesang (Jesang Caro)

Media influence has always been one of the powerful economic and cultural forces today, by deciding who gets to talk, what shapes the debate, who writes and what is important enough to report. Media shapes our understanding of who we are and what we can be.

The issue shines a light on the status of women in media and underscores the crucial need to hold media accountable for an equal voice and equal participation.

Caroline Jesang has been in the media industry for the last eight years, she takes us through her journey in media and the experiences she has encountered.

Born and raised in Kaptumo- Nandi County, she went through St. Mary's Tachasis in 1999, and then later joined Kenya Institute of Media College (KIMC), she took a course in Broadcast Journalism and graduated in 2004.

She emphasizes that being a media personality has always been her dream since she was young, she rarely missed the 1p.m news because she admired the male presenters then in KBC.

Caroline has seen so many changes in the media, starting with the airtime women are been given, roughly ten years ago media was a male dominated industry but it came to evolve and is now an equal opportunity for both genders. Before, women were countable because it was a professional where a few would make it to the platform because it entailed running around following up news stories, carrying heavy equipments (cameras)and working late a times past midnight.

Among the shows she airs is the nam a nam, where it is about reaching out to people through salamu, the content does not restrict her from the freedom of speech to the audience, considering that she comes from a very conservative community who are her audience too.

Considering the Media bill, her opinion is that the Government should not gag the media, but on the other hand the Journalist should know boundaries on what to write and report about.

As a female presenter she has undergone challenges just like any other profession: conservative audience who don’t like it when sensitive topics are talked about, the content she must air everyday makes her do her research more keenly having in mind the content the audience are comfortable with, having to work till late. Considering that she has a family, she has learnt to balance family and work.

Her experience in media has elevated her to gain more experience, meeting new people every day, listening to people’s opinions, meeting her fans and traveling to different places.

She has mentored several youths considering getting into media profession, having in mind that media is currently a balanced platform for both genders and it is an industry that boosts one’s self confidence and self esteem.

Daisy Rotino plunged into radio journalism to fulfill ambition. A graduate in communication and sociology from the University of Nairobi, she has been in the media for six years. Known for her programmes KASS ILOSU a gospel show and KWONDO NE NYULUNOT a women’s show, she has been able to create a wide listenership from her Kalenjin fan base and maintain it at the same time. She delivers her programmes enthusiastically and professionally.

The 31 years old married and a mother of two, she acknowledges that “voice is everything. So you have to take care of it, “she says. She attributes her media career as one that has transformed and broadened her mind from naivety. She is also in praise of her employer for giving her an opportunity to develop her talent.

Currently she is pursuing her masters’ degree in communication. Commenting on the media bill, Mrs. Rotino feels that presenters should carry out their work ethically and professionally to avoid been on the wrong side of the law. “Presenters should gag themselves first. Many are carried away by money and other gains and we should not step on others, “she advises.

She says that the media environment has changed a lot. She credits the introduction of new technology and equipments to the growth of the media industry. “As a presenter, I have to keep in contact with my fans.i interact with them via face book and twitter get to know their reactions on different topics, “she says.

She cites a few challenges facing women presenters in the country. “My work is very demanding that I at times do not have enough time for family. Been a famous figure, there are those who hit on you despite your marital status and if not handled properly can jeopardize a happy family. However, I have handled these challenges by focusing on my work and goals, “she says.

Mrs.Rotino explains that a presenter should possess the following qualities in her work. Enthusiasm, creativity, outgoing, should be interactive and outgoing. She parts by advising that the media is a competitive field and hence one should seek to cut a niche for themselves and women should not shy away from the media.