There are many reasons for punishments in school. Missing classes because of looking after cattle is common with the Maasai. However, what Benson Wuapari, a journalist and an author has not come into terms with is how reading news in class was an offence.
No,
he wasn’t noisy, a thief or a trouble maker as many of us were but simply loved
his talent. It is this love that is a blessing and was a curse then.
Born
in 1984, In Olalui Kilgoris-Transmara Narok county, Wuapari has not only grown
to be a refined journalist but also part of the few authors in the media
industry in kenya.
The
Maasai moran got a beating from his teacher in class 3 for no other reason but
competing with a friend in reading a Taifa leo news paper- emulating news
anchors during a free lesson.
The
mimic was so good. Their teacher thought there was a radio in class.When he
entered the very classroom, he asked for students having a radio to give it to
him. It was against the school rules to have a radio in class. The pupils in
betrayal pointed at the two.
Benson
and his friend were puzzled and didn’t know what to do for they had no radio,
perhaps they were the radios. As a result what was to become part of Media Max
crew and an author was beaten thoroughly. As he puts it the pain was a catalyst
to his career. The wake forest
university of South Africa graduate has had a tremendous journey in the media
industry.
“I
got my first job at radio injili kericho, it reaches the great Rift valley,
Nyanza and Western, and got it through an interview and did it for 7 years.
Then I moved to Radio Maa, Royal Media Services and finally poached by Media
Max.”
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| Benson Wuapari |
Apart
from being a Maa radio personality Benson prides himself in being fluent in
swahili. Something he says is an advantage.
It’s
a good feeling, it sweet speaking in your native dialect. I take it as giving
back to my community and having confident in kiswahili is an added advantage in
this ever increasing competitive field.
While
not in studio Benson is on a mission to be a role model. Something he says
inspires the youth and gives them a sense about life especially in regard to
their careers.
“I
was inspired into the media industry by citizen TV’s Julie Gishuru, Shisia Wasilwa and Okwara Ndumbi wesonga,
their talent is exceptional and I always looked up to them. Just like it was
back then I know many young talents look up to those in the field. That is why
I offer myself as a possible choice.”
In
order to be a role model Wuapari used to be a part time lecturer in Kericho
School of professional studies but now he concentrates on naturing young
talents in his college queens college in kilgoris. This he does through
inspirational talks.
As
an author his literary work, a book titled “Journalism and Mass Communication”
is by far a must read to all journalist in the continent.
“It’s
a home grown journalism book that inspires African journalist and more so
kenyan journalist. It is about what they pass thorough in their day to day work
and in an African culture,” he says.
The
book which took him more than a year to complete, also gives a guide to journalist covering
politics in an ever changing environment and on how to keep the African culture.
When
asked what word of advice he had for the young generation, Benson points out
they should be patient in whatever they are doing.
“Being
patient is paramount as they seek their passion and include God in their
endeavors, finally they should never give up whatsoever.” He concludes.
