Who Is Brian Sakwa?
Brian Sakwa is a vibrant embodiment of divine creativity, a devoted son, cherished brother, and ambitious polymath pursuing excellence with unrelenting passion.
Can you share some of that and the lessons you learnt growing up?
Summarising my childhood is like unravelling a complex tapestry. It was undeniably tough. I was raised by both my maternal and paternal grandparents. I met my mother for the first time in 2019, a poignant reunion. My father came into my life in a dramatic “rescue mission” when I was taken to my paternal grandparents’ home, severely malnourished.
A physically abusive uncle added to the trauma, often starving and beating me. Secondary school brought its own trials, both at home and at school, moments I would rewrite if I could. Yet those hardships instilled in me deep resilience, the power of perseverance, and an unshakeable will to rise above adversity.
Where and what did you study at university?
I earned a diploma and degree in Broadcast Journalism from Multimedia University of Kenya, a launchpad for my media dreams.
Your favourite and worst, and least favourite units?
TV and Radio Live Production units stole my heart! These competitive, performative units saw me consistently shine in group assignments. Worst units? Let’s just say I’ve conveniently forgotten them. (wink wink)
Best and worst lecturers?
Oh, don’t get me started; my lecturers nurtured my talent, especially during my time as a campus radio host, where my broadcast career was born. Madam Kathryn Muhatia, Laban Fraiser, Mary G. Onyango, Margret Mutange, and Bernard Otieno stood out. I still keep in touch with many of them.
Are you currently doing what you studied in University?
Yesss! I’m incredibly blessed to be thriving in broadcast journalism, a rarity in Kenya’s fiercely competitive job market, where skill gaps and corporate challenges abound. Practicing what I studied feels like a divine gift.
How was campus life in general?
Wueh, campus was a rollercoaster of epic proportions! From my diploma to degree days, I evolved from a starry-eyed fanboy to a relentless go-getter. As a co-host and newsreader on MMU Radio’s morning breakfast show, I built a loyal fanbase and landed various media gigs, including a standout appearance on Ebru New Day hosted by now-Citizen TV’s Ayub Abdikadir, where we discussed Kenya’s booming content creation scene.
It wasn’t always glamorous. I auditioned countless times on the Churchill Show in 2016, and even tried out for a Nigerian film role, only to be rejected due to colouris, though I was told I had ‘hacked the character’. My lowest moment came when my father was abducted and tortured, an incident covered by national media, nearly broke me. I found out just minutes before a live broadcast. Yet I powered through, heart shattered, until my shift ended at 10am. Campus was a crucible of both triumph and trial.
How did you make money while on campus?
Ah, money! My first-year diploma days were the epitome of ‘sufferation’, yaani Kuteseka 101. I recall sneaking into the hostel and salvaging leftover pilau my roommate had dumped in the garbage bin. I landed a gig with Sam Kingsize, owner of a men’s fashion boutique. After buying sneakers from his shop and introducing myself as “Uncle Sakwa,” he hired me to model and promote his outfits online at a fee.
How was dating life on campus?
Dating was nothing too serious. Toward the end, I met someone off-campus, and we moved in together. It was an on-and-off saga for years, but we recently parted ways amicably. We still share a friendly nod when we cross paths on the streets.
Thoughts on campus relationships?
From my lens, campus love is about having fun, keep it light! But stay open to spotting a lifelong partner.
Where did you hang out on weekends?
You’d find me at Kenya National Theatre and in church on Sundays?
Classmates you’ll never forget?
My bestie (winks) Hannah Nyagacuhi, alongside colleagues Stephanie Ayieta, Reenie Gakii, and Maggy, forged an unbreakable bond.
What’s next for Brian Sakwa?
Expect jaw-dropping surprises, from a gripping podcast to The Brian Sakwa Show, a game-changing talk show set to redefine Kenyan journalism. Watch this space.
Final words for young people eyeing a media career?
Fearlessly chase your dreams! Hone your skills, work smarter, and keep faith first. The media world is yours to conquer!