Comedian Mulamwah recently opened up about his experience working as a radio host, shedding light on the challenges he faced behind the scenes. Despite the prestige that comes with working in media, Mulamwah revealed that his radio job did not provide the financial stability he had hoped for, leading him to ultimately quit.
Mulamwah described his time at Milele FM as more of a learning experience than a sustainable career path. He explained that the pay from the radio job was relatively low compared to the earnings he made from endorsements and other gigs. “The money that was sustaining me was from endorsements and other jobs. I just went to the radio for experience. The money was not that much,” he said.
The comedian also highlighted the intense demands that come with being a media personality. The job required him to maintain a polished public image, including a daily presence on social media. This meant that he had to be snapped in decent outfits every day, which added pressure and financial strain, as his pay didn’t quite match the lifestyle expected of him. “The job had much pressure because it eats up your time and the payment comes with many demands; for example, you have to be snapped every day, and the photos are posted on social media. That means you have to wear decently. It gives you a bigger name than your pockets,” he explained.
A defining moment that pushed Mulamwah to leave the radio station came when he arrived at the studio soaked after riding a motorbike in the rain. He recalled walking into the yard, seeing cars parked and wondering if they belonged to his colleagues. This incident made him confront the management about his pay, which he felt was unfair. “I walked out and saw cars parked in the yard and wondered if these were my colleagues. Then I went to the human resources manager and asked for better pay,” he recalled.
Mulamwah further explained that some of his colleagues earned significantly more, pointing out that the previous host he replaced was making nearly four times his salary. This pay disparity was frustrating, especially given the demands of the job and the public’s perception that media personalities earn well. “If I kept working there, I would be asked those tough questions one day. Because people think you have a well-paying job,” he said.
He added that leaving the radio job gave him freedom from such expectations. “Right now, if I go broke, I can explain that I don’t have a job. But if you work in the media, you will be asked, you were there and came out with nothing,” he explained.
Beyond comedy and media, Mulamwah is a multi-talented entrepreneur with several thriving ventures. Among these is a boda boda business based in Kitale, which he started in 2021 with just five motorcycles. The business has since expanded to over 40 motorcycles and generates approximately KSh 480,000 monthly. Additionally, he manages a farm in Trans Nzoia, where he cares for dairy cows and poultry. Through his farming activities, Mulamwah advocates for increased government support for farmers.
Overall, Mulamwah’s story reveals the often-hidden struggles media personalities face, particularly when it comes to balancing public expectations, financial realities, and personal ambitions. His decision to quit radio was driven by a need for better financial stability and a desire to pursue opportunities that align more closely with his talents and business interests.
