Presenter Caroline Mutoko, a well-known media figure, has disclosed that she currently makes more money as a digital marketer than she did as a radio host.
During her nearly 19 years in radio, Mutoko spent four and a half of those years at Capital FM before moving on to Kiss FM for 14 years before hanging up her microphone.
When asked why she chose to retire when she did, despite rising to become one of the top paid radio hosts in the nation at the time, Mutoko responded that she had done her job and thought it was finally time to leave the booth and pass it on to the younger generation.
She added that the transition from radio to the field of digital marketing has been kind to her, and that she now makes more money than she did with the mic on, but without having to wake up at dawn as was required of her then.
“I always knew that there was a world beyond the mic, and I guess this is it. I am a great storyteller, and I am using that to make a living. I’m glad that I make a lot more money than I did when I was on the radio,” she told Daily Nation in an interview.
“It’s been nine years since I left radio. I left because I felt it was time, and I’ve never looked back. I know many wondered why I quit. Some encouraged me to hold on. That I had a great show on radio. But, a good dancer knows when to leave the stage. So far, the transition has been good and rewarding. I have taken time to reflect and put things into perspective. I like that I am still doing well without having to wake up at 4am.”
Mutoko has, since reinventing herself as a digital marketer, worked with several top locl and international brands among them Tecno, Safaricom, Dubai Tourism, L’Oreal, and Netflix.
When asked if she still misses radio, Mutoko responded with a straight “No,” reiterating that she gave it her all when it lasted and has fully embraced her new line of work.
“It has been nine years since I left (radio), and I am glad I did it. And to be honest, if I wanted a radio experience, I would start a podcast. A podcast is the modern radio,” she stated.
She went on to heap praise on a multitude of other media personalities whom she mentored when they were just starting out in the game, naming a few stand out names like Nyambane, Jalang’o, Larry Madowo, Shaffie Weru, Sanaipei Tande and DNG.
According to Mutoko, however, of all the people she worked with; “Jalang’o and Chipukeezy were the two hungriest people. They wanted more, and were willing to put in the time and effort.”
