The Mt Kenya Times 
Maureen Gakii
Worth Nothing
“I remind myself why I chose this path—whether it’s the impact of storytelling, giving a voice to the voiceless, or shedding light on issues that matter. I believe in the power of media to spark change, so I’d aim to influence global conversations in a way that promotes empathy, awareness, and action.”
- Briefly tell us who you are and more about you
My name is Maureen Gakii, a dedicated and passionate journalist with a background in Journalism and Media Studies. I am driven by the power of storytelling and the impact of truthful, well-researched reporting in shaping societies and giving a voice to the voiceless. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong command of language, I specialize in uncovering stories that matter—whether in politics, human interest, or community development.
As a media professional, I thrive in both field reporting and newsroom environments, constantly seeking to inform, engage, and inspire audiences through compelling content. I possess a solid foundation in news writing, feature stories, broadcast production, and digital media. My journalistic journey is guided by integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to ethical reporting.
Beyond journalism, I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and continually work to sharpen my skills through workshops, collaboration with fellow media professionals, and staying updated on global trends. I’m also passionate about using media as a tool for positive change, especially in underrepresented communities.
- What motivated you to become who you are now
From a young age, I was deeply curious about the world around me. I found myself drawn to stories—those told at home, on radio, in newspapers, and on TV. I was fascinated not just by the events themselves, but by the way they were told. I realized early on that information holds power, and I wanted to be part of the force that informs, educates, and empowers people through truth.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact that media can have on communities—how it can expose injustice, spotlight everyday heroes, and give a platform to those who often go unheard. This inspired me to pursue journalism not just as a career, but as a calling. I wanted to become a voice for the voiceless, to ask the hard questions, and to tell stories that matter.
What keeps me going today is that same passion: the belief that journalism, when done right, can drive change, uphold democracy, and bring people together through understanding and awareness.
- What does your ideal day look like
My ideal day as a journalism student starts early with a positive mindset and a plan for the day ahead. I begin by reviewing the latest news updates and trending stories to stay informed and inspired—this helps me think critically and stay connected to the world around me.
After a healthy breakfast, I head to class, where I engage in discussions about media ethics, news writing, broadcast techniques, and the role of journalism in society. I enjoy participating in conversations that challenge my perspective and sharpen my skills as a future media professional.
Midday is usually filled with assignments or fieldwork—maybe I’m out conducting interviews for a story, working on a group documentary project, or editing a piece for the campus publication. I love the hands-on experience, the thrill of chasing leads, and the opportunity to put theory into real-world practice.
Afternoons are dedicated to writing or working in the media lab, editing audio or video pieces, or attending workshops and guest lectures. I take time to refine my work, seek feedback from my lecturers or peers, and constantly look for ways to improve my storytelling.
In the evening, I unwind by reading articles from my favorite journalists or catching up on current affairs programs. I might also work on my blog or personal portfolio, building a body of work that reflects my growth and passion.An ideal day as a journalism student is one filled with learning, creativity, and a growing sense of purpose. It’s about developing the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to one day become the journalist I aspire to be.
- What is the favorite aspect of your work
What I love most about being a journalism student is the ability to tell real stories that have meaning. I enjoy giving people a platform to share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs—especially those whose voices are often overlooked. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that through my words or lens, I can inform, inspire, and even influence change.
I also enjoy the hands-on nature of journalism. Whether it’s conducting interviews, researching topics, editing audio-visual content, or writing a compelling feature, every day is a chance to learn something new and sharpen my craft. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the work keeps me constantly curious and motivated.
Above all, I value the power of truth and storytelling. Journalism gives me a sense of responsibility and purpose—and being a student of it means I’m part of something bigger than myself.
- What is the hardest part of what you do
Constant Pressure to Be “On”.You’re expected to always be alert, curious, and ready to chase a story—there’s little room to “switch off.” You live in a mental state of always thinking: “Is this newsworthy?” That mental fatigue builds up
Balancing Theory with Real-World Chaos.You study media ethics, law, and writing techniques in class—but the real world rarely plays by those rules. Learning to bridge that gap between what you’re taught and what actually happens in the field is frustrating and confusing.
Burnout from Over committing .Most journalism students don’t just study—they write for the school paper, freelance, intern, do social media gigs, run podcasts or YouTube channels, and juggle side hustles. The hustle culture is real, and it’s draining.
Getting People to Talk (and Trust You).Convincing sources to open up—especially on sensitive topics—can feel nearly impossible. You learn that not everyone wants to be part of your story, and you’re constantly questioning how far you should push.
Dealing with Gatekeepers and Elitis.Sometimes you realize certain opportunities go to people with better connections, better gear, or more polished accents. That kind of implicit bias or class divide in journalism can feel disheartening.
Doubt in the Future of Journalism.The media industry is unstable—layoffs, shrinking newsrooms, AI, clickbait trends—and as a student, you can’t help but ask, “Am I working this hard for a dying industry?”
- Have you ever incurred challenges in your work. Please tell us about it.
Yes, I’ve encountered various challenges in my work. One of the most significant has been adapting to the fast-paced nature of the media industry. Deadlines can be tight, and there’s often pressure to produce accurate, engaging content quickly. Balancing speed with accuracy has been a key challenges
Another major obstacle has been navigating misinformation and verifying sources. In a digital age where anyone can publish content, ensuring credibility and reliability of information takes a lot of effort and critical thinking.
I’ve also faced situations where access to information was restricted—either due to uncooperative sources or sensitive topics. This taught me the importance of persistence, ethical reporting, and creative storytelling to still deliver valuable content to my audience.
- How do you foster yourself to keep moving
To keep myself moving forward, I focus on purpose and passion. I remind myself why I chose this path—whether it’s the impact of storytelling, giving a voice to the voiceless, or shedding light on issues that matter. That sense of purpose fuels me even when challenge
I also invest in continuous growth—reading widely, learning new media tools, attending workshops, and staying open to feedback. Surrounding myself with like-minded, driven individuals helps too; their energy keeps me motivated.
Most importantly, I practice self-compassion. I allow room for mistakes, knowing they’re part of the journey. Progress doesn’t always come fast, but consistency, discipline, and belief in my vision keep me moving.
- Do you advertise your work. If yes. Tell us how it has helped you
Yes, I do advertise my work, especially because visibility is crucial in the media and journalism field. I use several strategies to promote what I do:Social Media Presence:
I share my work on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok, depending on the audience. I post links to articles, behind-the-scenes moments, and short videos that give a glimpse into the stories I cover.
Networking:
I connect with other professionals in the industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. Word-of-mouth and collaborations often help spread my work organically.
Portfolio Website or Blog:
I maintain a personal website where I showcase my best work, making it easy for potential clients or employers to see my skills and experience at a glance.
Pitching Stories:
Sometimes I pitch my ideas to media houses or platforms with a larger audience, which helps my work reach more people and strengthens my brand as a creator or journalist.
Branding:
I try to keep a consistent tone, look, or theme in how I present myself and my work. This helps people recognize my style and trust my content.
- What advice would you like to give someone that wants to be you
To the world:I would use my voice and platform to amplify stories that matter—stories that challenge injustice, inspire unity, and promote truth. I believe in the power of media to spark change, so I’d aim to influence global conversations in a way that promotes empathy, awareness, and action.
- Given a chance what impact would you bring to the world, nation and to yourself
To the nation: I’d strive to be a bridge between the people and the truth. Whether by highlighting social issues, celebrating local heroes, or holding leaders accountable, I’d work toward building a more informed, empowered, and united society. My work would encourage civic participation and national pride rooted in truth and progress.
To myself ;I would continue to grow—mentally, emotionally, and professionally. I’d aim to live a life of purpose, constantly learning, evolving, and staying true to my values. Fulfillment, for me, comes from knowing I’m making a difference, however big or small, while staying grounded in who I am
- If someone wants to check your work and what you do, where can they find you? Your handles?
If someone wants to check out my work and see what I do, they can find me on the following platforms:
TikTok, Instagram, Facebook,X,@ Maureen gakii ( rine kikie)
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