Ayub Abdikadir, a Citizen TV presenter, shot to fame after defying convention in a live interview with Wafula Chebukati, the former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but little is known about the struggles he faced along the way.
The adventure of the Royal Media Services Journalist began on the arid and difficult football fields of Wajir, where he played football for the most of his boyhood.
Before enrolling in Wajir High School, he attended Wajir Primary School, where he developed his communication abilities and sense of curiosity, also known as a “nose for news.”
In terms of journalism, Ayub’s passion to work for a media organization started in his early years and only grew stronger and brighter when he moved from Wajir to Nairobi to do so.
“Ever since I was in elementary school, I have had a passion. My grandfather, who is 85 years old, has been listening to the BBC World Service in our family, Abdikadir recounted.
Ayub always took a front-row seat to learn and hone his journalistic abilities at Mount Kenya University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism.
“Since I was a self-sponsored student, I had to fight financially to pay my tuition, which meant that my ambitions were different.
“I had a side business, which made sure I had money to cover my expenses, especially during the holidays. Among those who helped me finish my education was one who is currently a Cabinet Secretary (name withheld), “Ayuba revealed.
His perseverance eventually led to internship opportunities at Ebru TV and K24 TV, where he finally found a chance to hone his talent.
Ayub got through it all, nevertheless, and like a bar of gold going through the refineries, the man from Wajir acquired complicated experiences that he was eager to impart, before establishing his place in scribal templates of Kenyan journalism.
“I cherish every action I took as a result of my passion for journalism when I reflect back on that trip. In spite of our erratic choices in life, I’m quite proud of the voyage “Ayub observed.
Ayub obtained a volunteer position during his final semester of college, which later developed into an internship program.
Ayub claimed that the young journalist’s life was everything but simple because he had to sacrifice numerous comforts in order to stay at the media facility.
Ayub’s efforts were not in vain, as employers were quick to recognize his value and elevated him to host a morning show while he was still an intern.
According to Ayub, “I worked for nine months as a requirement for my internship course and voluntarily chose to extend that volunteership for me to obtain additional experience.”
Ayub urged aspiring young journalists to think about making sacrifices when pursuing their desired careers because bigger things arise from smaller things.
He gained a following for his valiant code-cracking efforts during the August 2022 General Election, particularly after he diplomatically urged election officials to provide answers to the all-importation issues one month prior to the hotly disputed General Election.
The journalist later secured a vantage point at Citizen TV, Kenya’s most popular television network, thanks to his precisely placed comments to the 2022 Presidential Debate.
“When I see talent, I know it. Professionalism is something I can recognize. I value journalism’s breadth and research. Here’s another great illustration of the ascent of our country. He will arrive. Praise, “David Osiany, a former chief administrative secretary, congratulated him during the interview.
He joined Citizen TV on August 5, 2022, and has continued to serve the organization ever since, giving his all to the viewers he values most.
