Media personality King Kalala has opened up about the challenges she faced after making the bold decision to quit her radio job without a backup plan. She was previously a presenter at a popular station and had built a strong fan base. When she announced her exit in October 2024, many speculated that she was transitioning to another media house. However, behind the scenes, Kalala was facing a period of uncertainty.
In a candid video, Kalala recounted how quitting her job left her struggling financially. She revealed that at one point, she had to turn to her parents for support as she tried to regain her footing. Her rent arrears had accumulated to nearly KSh 100,000, and she found herself in a difficult position. Despite the challenges, she remained determined not to return to her rural home, joking that she just needed a little time and support from her parents to get back on track.
The experience, she said, was tough and taught her a lot about self-reliance and the cost of making bold life decisions without a fallback. It was a defining moment for her, a period that demanded resilience and introspection. Kalala emphasized the pressure to show up and take responsibility for one’s choices, even when things become overwhelming.
Currently, Kalala co-hosts a podcast titled 3 Truths, No Lies, alongside fitness enthusiast Frankie JustGymIt and Ugandan socialite Christine Nampeera. The podcast covers a range of topics including relationships, mental health, personal development, and societal expectations, giving her a new platform to connect with audiences in a more intimate and unfiltered way.
Her revelation sparked mixed reactions from social media users. Some expressed admiration for her honesty and appreciated her parents’ support, noting how lucky she was to have people who could come through for her during a rough patch. Others questioned financial planning among the youth, asking how such large rent arrears could accumulate without a plan in place.
Some people shared similar experiences, saying they too had made difficult decisions such as quitting jobs without plans due to mental health or toxic work environments. A few users noted that not everyone has the privilege of supportive parents and acknowledged how different Kalala’s story might have been without that safety net.
In a separate interview, Kalala also spoke about a critical moment in her life involving her father. After she dropped out of school, her father — an academician — confronted her with a tough choice: either go back to school or take KSh 3,000 and leave his house. This moment forced her to reflect on her life direction. Though her father had hoped she would complete her studies at JKUAT, Kalala had discovered a different calling in the media and entertainment space.
Through her journey, Kalala has become an example of the uncertainty that can come with following one’s passion. Her story highlights the highs and lows of career transitions, the importance of having a support system, and the courage it takes to redefine success on one’s own terms.
