You have been in the public limelight for a while now. For those who might not know you beyond the screen, who is Martin Kimathi?
Martin is someone who is intentional in everything he does. I genuinely love people: that is where I draw my inspiration. I am deeply passionate about the things that matter to me, and my family sits right at the centre of that. I have two brothers and one half-sister.
Where and what did you study?
I hold a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from Nairobi Aviation College.
What was your favourite and least favourite unit in college?
My favourite was definitely Media Law and Ethics. It felt so relevant, especially in a field where reputation and responsibility go hand in hand. It has helped me steer clear of potential pitfalls in my professional life. As for the least favourite, let’s just say the rest were fine but didn’t spark the same excitement.
Any lecturers who stood out for you?
Not really. The last time I had a favourite teacher was in primary school. By the time I got to college, I viewed all my lecturers quite the same; each had something unique to offer.
Are you currently doing what you studied?
Yes, I am, though not in the traditional sense. While I am not hosting a television show at the moment, I am very much engaged in digital media. My focus has shifted towards content creation, brand building, and digital storytelling: the evolution of communication in this era.
How was campus life for you?
Campus life was honestly fun. It exposed me to the entertainment industry early on and gave me the confidence to explore it professionally. I got into spaces that shaped how I think about media and creativity. Those experiences helped me a lot later in my career.
How did you make money while studying?
I sold customised love cards and earned a commission from them. It wasn’t much, but it gave me a sense of independence.
And dating on campus? What was that like?
Heart-breaking! (Laughs) It is never easy competing with sponsors, let’s just say that.
What are your thoughts on campus relationships?
I think they are good for building emotional intelligence and understanding people better. If handled with maturity, they can teach you a lot about respect, communication, and self-worth.
Where did you usually hang out on weekends?
When I wasn’t in class, I would often be in town, the Central Business District. That is where most auditions and entertainment events happened back then, and I loved being around that creative energy.
How did you spend your free time?
I spent most of my free time with my late mother. May her soul continue to rest in peace.
Are there classmates you’ll never forget?
They are many classmates I will not forget. It would be unfair to mention just a few or one. Let us just say I will not forget most of them.
Many remember you from Teen Republic alongside Tracy Wanjiru. How did you land that role, and what was the experience like?
My friends told me about the auditions, and I decided to give it a shot. I have always been confident in expressing myself and connecting with people, so I think that came through. Landing the role was life-changing. It opened so many doors and gave me a platform to grow, both personally and professionally. Working with Tracy was also a fantastic experience.
What lessons have you learnt from your journey in the media industry
The media world can be dazzling, but it can also swallow you whole if you’re not grounded. It is easy to lose yourself and the people who love you genuinely. My greatest lesson has been to live in the moment, appreciate the journey, and constantly strive to become a better person.
You have ventured into image consulting. Tell us about that.
Yes, I have always believed that how you present yourself affects how you feel about yourself. For me, image consulting is about more than fashion; it is about mindset, confidence, and communication. It involves helping people understand how their wardrobe, body language, and tone reflect who they are. I am currently working on a go-to guide on image and personal branding, which I’ll be releasing soon.
You are also big on male grooming. What common mistakes do men make, and how can they fix them?
Most men underestimate the power of grooming. We focus so much on making money and providing for others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Grooming isn’t vanity, it is self-respect. A polished look boosts confidence and influences how people perceive you. As we look for money, let’s not forget how we look.
Looking ahead, what does the future hold? Are you planning to return to television — perhaps with a new show?
For now, I am focused on growing Martin Kimathi Talks , my digital platform. I love TV, and I would definitely go back if the right opportunity arises.
Finally, what advice would you give young people hoping to break into mainstream media?
Enjoy the process. There’s no single script for success. Learn from your mistakes and from those who have gone before you. Mainstream television is competitive right now, with limited slots, but that’s where digital media comes in. It is a democratised opportunity. You can build your own audience, share your voice, and even earn from it. Above all, always put God first.