Citizen TV presenter Janet Mbugua is headed to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). Business Today has learnt that Ms Mbugua, who is serving notice at Royal Media Services, will be in charge of communications and advocacy at the Red Cross Kenya office based in South C, Nairobi.
It had been speculated that she had left after management questioned her commitment to work due to her busy schedule with endorsing brands. Some even said she was quitting to focus on her family. “I can confirm that she’s joining Red Cross,” said a close friend of Janet’s. “But clarify that her exit has nothing to do with Jeff (Koinange).”
A number of websites, including Business Today, had reported that she may have quit in protest of Jeff Koinange’s high pay, estimated at Ksh2 million per month by unconfirmed sources. In fact, Jeff Koinange himself clarified yesterday that he is enjoying cordial relations with Janet and her colleague Hussein Mohamed, who is also said to be silently protesting with plans to leave Royal Media Services.
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The new assignment is not new to her, as close associates say she has a passion for advocacy. She has reinforced the empowerment of young females with the Inua Dada campaign that is endorsed by the Kenya’s first lady, Margaret Kenyatta. She has also been advocating for handwashing through Unilever. In recognition of Janet’s efforts for advocating for child rights and protection, Children Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid Foundation awarded her with both a trophy and certificate in 2015.
Janet Mbugua’s exit is a major blow to Citizen TV, whose prime time news and interviews had become synonymous with the soft spoken and intelligent mother of one. In her Monday Special bulletin, was passionate about social and family issues like drugs, teenage pregnancy, marriage and good living, topics that attracted many family viewers.
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In fact, she has lived her passion by being an example of family stability. Since she was married in 2015, her life has been that of a news anchor, mother, wife and advocate, unlike other female celebrities who often struggle with keeping their marriages intact.
If Hussein Mohamed doesn’t leave as it is being speculated, Citizen will struggle to find a screen-mate for him. The other option at the station would be Lilian Muli, whose hands are already full with weekend assignments. She is also not very good with hard news and topical studio interviews. There is also Anne Kiguta, who is good at political interviews (she hosts the Opinion Court talkshow on Thursdays), but may struggle to walk in Janet Mbugua’s very high heels.
Janet Mbugua started her career on Radio at the age of 19 at Kenya’s Capital FM Station. She then worked with KTN, eTV and finally signed a mega deal (figured at Ksh800,000) with Citizen TV in 2011.
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WATCH JANET MBUGUA IN ACTION BELOW
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