Seasoned investigative journalist Hussein Mohammed narrated how he began his journey as a journalist including applying to all media houses in the country before landing his internship at KTN.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, on Monday, February 20, the senior broadcast journalist at BBC recounted writing a list of all media houses in the country and setting targets for the daily applications he would submit.
Mohammed further stated that he would tick against every media house after submitting his application before moving on to the next one on his list, including selected international media houses.
“I was in my last year of university when I was submitting the applications. I wrote the names of all the media houses including the small radio stations and some international media houses like CNN and BBC,” Mohammed stated.
Moreover, Mohammed added that he also attended additional classes aside from the ones allocated in the curriculum, to increase his skill set and knowledge as well as perform well in school.
“I used to attend the higher classes and I took them very seriously. I used to sit and take notes and it helped me stay ahead of the class.
“I did not get a job because I knew anybody. When KTN was looking for interns, I was fortunate to be among those selected to join the programme,” the BBC journalist added.
Mohammed graduated in 2011 from Zetech university, getting into his role at KTN. After his internship, he was absorbed into the company as a reporter and three years later as an investigative reporter.
He later assumed the role of a crime and investigative editor at KTN before moving to BBC as a broadcast journalist in 2020.
Mohammed further narrated his experience as a guest lecturer to first-year students at his alma mater on Monday, February 20, noting that it was a fulfilling experience to inspire other young journalists through his story.
“I might be going there a lot more as a guest lecturer because I remember when I was sitting there, and I want them to know that anything is possible.
“It is possible to do well and get a job even without connections. Your work will speak for you. For me it was always about making an impact and transforming society,” the journalist stated.
Mohammed encouraged all young journalists to focus on making an impact in society by telling stories that change the lives of the community instead of focusing on the fame that came along with the profession.
“I have won top awards but I am more fulfilled by the impact my stories make in society. Storytelling is the foundation of journalism,” Mohammed stated.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE