ANDRINE KILEMI: THE REWARD IS IN THE RISK

communications is recognized as an extraordinarily diverse and flexible field of study. It is highly regarded in business, marketing, education, politics and public relations. Indeed, the ability to develop a targeted message and deliver it effectively is fundamental to the success in these fields among others. Further, the globalization of business in a world that has been brought closer together through the accessibility and immediacy of electronic communications has made cross-cultural and multi-linguistic communications skills more prized than ever. BL magazine interviews Andrine Kilemi (pictured), a professional in communications. Excerpts:

BL: Give us a brief recap of your academic and professional background?

AN : I started my formal education at Isiolo nursery school (currently Bishop Locati nursery school ) before proceeding to Isiolo primary school. Thereafter, I joined Kinyui High School where I only studied for one year and then I was transferred to Muthambi Girls High School in Meru. After passing my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE), I joined Daystar University to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in electronic media and public relations.

As a young student in high school, l realized that my heart and passion were in journalism. I was in form two when l took a keen interest in journalism and drama clubs.

I worked for Shine FM, which is a student’s radio station while at Daystar University as an anchor, reporter and production manager. Although I was not being paid, the job gave me very good experience and it was a launch pad for my career in journalism.

After my fourth year in campus, I was lucky to secure an internship at Citizen TV for four months. This gave me an opportunity to put into practice what I had learnt in campus. One of the highest moments while working as an intern was when a feature story I had done was aired at both 7pm and 9 pm bulletins.

After my Internship, I got a job with a media intelligence company where I worked as a media analyst. I later worked for Azuri Technologies and then moved to TV47 where I am currently a news anchor.

BL: Was this your dream career?

AN: When I was growing up, I wanted to become a teacher. But as time went by, this goal changed to journalism. I am glad that my dream has become a reality.

BL: Tell us more about your career ?

AN: My interest in this field started when I was a child. I liked to watch television and listen to the radio. I would imitate my favourite anchors. Sometimes, I would stand in front of a mirror and role play news anchoring. My dad liked to read newspapers and once he was done with them, I would follow suit. Naturally then, I became passionate about journalism.

My role as a news anchor is to report stories and events happening in the local and international levels. I use my public speaking skills to deliver news to the audience effectively.

Being a journalist has enabled me to interact with people from different social, economic and religious backgrounds. I have also travelled widely in the course of my job.

BL: What are your attributes?

AN: I would say they are persistence, discipline and passion.

Whenever I get a chance to change or improve someone’s life through my work, I grab it with both hands. The prospect of growth lights a fire in me. It all goes down to passion. Being interested in what l do and taking pride in my work I would say is my biggest drive as a person.

BL: What advice would you give other young professionals? AN: Young professionals should be ready to polish themselves before pricing themselves. Sometimes when a graduate gets an opportunity to work in a firm whose pay is not commensurate with the assignment given, he or she becomes sluggish and as a result, learn very little. In my view, the reward is in the risk.