Fred Arocho, the renowned football commentator and radio presenter, has finally revealed the real reason behind his decision to leave his long-standing position at Radio Jambo and join the newly launched Radio 47.
The legendary sports broadcaster, who made a name for himself at Radio Jambo for over 13 years, has openly admitted that one of the key driving forces behind his move to Radio 47 was the significantly higher salary offer from his new employer.
Speaking during a past press briefing in Nairobi’s CBD, Arocho shared the details of his career shift, stating that the financial offer he received from Radio 47 was simply too good to pass up.
“Kusema ukweli offer walinipa ilikua zaidi. Radio Jambo walikua wananilipa vizuri siwezi kataa lakini hao walipitiliza. Siwezi sema ni millioni lakini ni slightly over a half a million kwa hivyo unaeza jijazia hapo,” Arocho explained, hinting that his new salary was slightly above half a million shillings.
Arocho’s salary reveal comes as a shock to many in the industry, particularly since Radio Jambo, owned by Radio Africa Group, had already been paying him handsomely during his 13-year tenure.
However, he admitted that despite the good compensation, he felt that the offer from Radio 47 gave him an opportunity for growth that he could not resist.
“Niliishi kwa Radio Jambo kwa miaka 13, na sasa nilikuwa na hitaji ya kukua,” he remarked, suggesting that his move wasn’t purely about money, but also about the professional growth he felt was necessary after over a decade with the same company.
The fresh offer from Radio 47, owned by Cape Media Group—which also owns TV47—opened up a new chapter for Arocho. Cape Media Group is led by Simon Gicharu, the founder of Mt. Kenya University, and is an emerging force in Kenya’s media landscape.
Arocho’s decision to join Radio 47 aligns with the station’s ambition to bring a fresh and competitive approach to the radio market, especially in the sports segment, where Arocho is a household name.
For Arocho, his career at Radio Jambo was incredibly rewarding. He acknowledges the management and colleagues who supported him over the years, enabling him to establish a deep connection with his audience and build a reputation as one of Kenya’s top sports presenters. His 14 years in radio gave him exposure, experience, and opportunities that shaped his professional journey. But as with all great careers, Arocho felt it was time to seek new horizons.
At Radio 47, Arocho joins the sports team, where he will work alongside well-known sports journalist Hassan Mwana Wa Hali. His new role at the station not only presents an opportunity to elevate his career but also to be part of a team working to make Radio 47 a strong player in Kenya’s competitive radio industry. His transition symbolizes a natural progression for Arocho, who has always been driven by both passion and ambition.
Arocho’s departure from Radio Jambo leaves a void in the station, but it also highlights a wider trend in the Kenyan media industry where broadcasters are increasingly seeking better financial deals and opportunities for growth. Radio 47 has clearly capitalized on this need, and with Arocho now on their team, they are certainly looking to make a significant impact in the radio landscape.
