When it was announced that Makori Ongechi, a then-promising Citizen TV education reporter, was leaving the organization, rumors about his future career moves flooded the airwaves.
Makori, who most expected would join competing media houses to further his career as a journalist, ended up taking a low-key lifestyle to contemplate on his next move.
However, he did not suffer frustrations for long after he found refuge in a business venture that he had started as a mere side hustle when he worked at Citizen TV.
Makori used to sell fruits to suppliers during his off-hours, which he says earned him some significant amount of money, but he had never paid attention.
But after being rendered jobless, he resolved to revitalize the venture to make it a full-time job, where he orders fresh fruits such as bananas, avocados and tomatoes from his homeland, Kisii.
Just like any other hustle, Makori wakes up every morning not later than 3:30 am to receive his luggage from Kisii, which he then delivers to his customers, who later retail in the markets. With the help of his assistants, they finish distributing the fruits by 6:00 AM before proceeding to other daily activities.
Despite how diminutive the venture might look like in the public eye, Makori admits that life is better than it was when he was donning a tie and fitting suits at Citizen TV. Apart from comfortably paying his bills, he enjoys a flexible schedule since he has his entire days to explore other ideas.
Makori also founded a Consultancy firm, where he spends his daytime as a principal consultant.
Makori drives inspiration from his businesses, sending a message to practicing journalists to always consider a side hustle as an alternative source of income alongside their main job. He also admits that his family was the mainspring of motivation, who stood with him during the entire period, and who have now become business associates in the newly found venture.
Nonetheless, the journalist admits that life outside the limelight as a media personality has threatened to hurt his passion as a public informer, and especially on matters education.
It is for this reason that Makori does not rule out a possibility of making a media comeback in the future should an opportunity present itself. However, he insists he is currently focused on personal branding as a business person and media consultant.
His exit from Citizen TV was marred with controversy, with the media giant stating that they cut ties with Makori for unethical practices. The journalist, however, alleged foul play from top leadership, who he accused of standing in between him and his journalistic principles.
In his four-year stint at the Royal Media Services where he started as an intern, Makori established his niche in education reporting, whose influence saw him win awards including VOA’s Superior Accomplishment Award and BBG Gold Medal Award.
