Nairobi News

Coro FM presenter Joy wa Macharia has announced her departure from the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s radio station after a decade of service.

Breaking the news to her fans on her social media accounts, Joy said, “I want to take this opportunity to thank God for my talent and the years I have worked for KBC.

She added: “I can’t help but reflect on the wonderful experience I’ve had working at Coro FM… KBC will always be my first home”.

Joy added: “To my amazing colleagues, thank you for the laughter, mentorship and unforgettable memories we’ve made together”.

To her fans, she said, “Thank you for your undying love and support. I am who I am because of your unconditional love.
God bless and see you soon”.

Unconfirmed rumours have it that Joy may be heading to Gukena or Kameme FM, which like Coro FM, broadcasts in the Gikuyu language. She is said to be the perfect replacement for MC B Gathuba Man, who has also left Kameme FM after 10 years.

Joy, who hails from Murang’a County, started her journalism career as an amateur at Radio Maria in Murang’a town, which is sponsored by the Catholic Church.

She told Nairobi News that journalism was her childhood passion and it was a sweet surprise when she was admitted to the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) for her Diploma in Mass Communication.

“It was not a smooth ride as I had to work hard to make this passion come true. From sacrificing a lot as a student from a humble background to tarmac after graduation… but I found a mother figure in Nyoxx wa Katta who even offered to live with me in her house while I was looking for a breakthrough,” she said.

Nyoxx is a Gikuyu-language presenter on Inooro FM who first worked for Coro FM.

Joy says despite teething problems, Coro FM became her home and by the time she left, she was hosting the Friday night Mugithi show as well as daily evening and weekend shows.

A talented girl who also sings secular songs, she is popular for her energetic shows at entertainment venues.

Joy burst into the limelight when she released her first hit song, Mundurume Kieya, which talked about men who look simple but when you investigate they are like prime land in value.

She sang that you will find such men who look thin with their pants sliding down their waists, but you will be surprised to learn that they are among the men who own Kenya. The song has become something of an anthem in the Mt Kenya region and has reached two million views on YouTube.

Her other songs include Cuma Hiu, Waitherero Kia Murang’a, Kuborwo, Ndukone ta Ukinyite, Nindaguthiururire, Aciari and Githuri-ini.

Born in Iyego village in the Iyego Kangema Constituency, the second child in a family of four, Joy attended Njii Ithatu and Nyakahura Primary Schools before attending Gitugi Girls Secondary School and Nyakahura Secondary School.

Married and a mother of two, her close colleagues in the industry describe her as “a package of big heart, joy and down to earth girl whose unpretentious demeanour makes it easy to make friends”.

One of her long-time colleagues Mr Martin Ndung’u told Nairobi News, “I cannot believe she has quit…she has become a part of us and the way she has bonded with us has been monumental. I sincerely wish her well”.