Celebrated radio presenter Maina Kageni recently shared intriguing details about his life and career during a quick-fire interview. He spoke openly about his journey, personal preferences, and some lesser-known aspects of his life, offering a glimpse into the man behind the microphone.
Maina began by reflecting on his first job back in 1993, where he worked for his uncle, SK Macharia, at a credit card company called Royal Card. At the time, his starting salary was KSh 42,000, and he was provided with a company car. He mentioned that his role primarily involved handling receipts. Despite the promising start, Maina revealed that he never followed the traditional academic path. Though his mother sent him to the UK for university, he chose not to attend classes and instead spent his school fees. He admitted that formal education under the 8-4-4 system did not suit him, preferring the GCSE curriculum, where he excelled in history but struggled with mathematics.
Maina also touched on his deep passion for radio, describing every day on air as an adventure. He praised his long-time co-host, Mwalimu King’ang’i, calling him the funniest and kindest person he knows. Their chemistry on air, he shared, is part of what makes waking up early worthwhile. Maina typically begins his day at 4:30 am, fully embracing the unpredictability of live radio. For him, the beauty of the job lies in the fact that no two days are the same.
His love for sports, particularly football, was evident as he declared himself a die-hard Manchester United fan. Maina recalled the last time he cried—tears of joy—when his team beat Lyon 5-4. He expressed his dislike for Arsenal and Liverpool and confidently predicted that Inter Milan would win the UEFA Champions League.
Maina’s personal life also came into focus during the interview. He shared that he currently drives his dream car, a BMW X6 M Sport, and owns three cars in total. His M-Pesa balance stood at KSh 47,000 at the time of the interview. He also disclosed that his last vacation was in Mombasa, where he spent around KSh 600,000, highlighting his taste for the finer things in life.
Reflecting on his experiences, Maina offered some life advice: when young, one should chase their dreams relentlessly, but as they grow older, it’s crucial to be more cautious about where to invest. This philosophy mirrors his own life journey, characterized by bold decisions and the pursuit of passion over convention.
One of the most thought-provoking revelations was Maina’s perspective on burial practices. He expressed his wish to be cremated, challenging the traditional African customs of transporting bodies over long distances for burial. He questioned the practicality and financial burden associated with elaborate funerals, suggesting that simpler options like cremation could ease the strain on grieving families. Maina mentioned that his will explicitly states his desire to be cremated just a day after his passing, emphasizing his belief in more practical and less burdensome ways of honoring loved ones.
Through his candid reflections, Maina Kageni painted a picture of a man unafraid to defy norms, driven by passion, and committed to living life on his own terms. His insights into career, family, and personal beliefs offer a refreshing perspective on success and the choices that define us.
