- Charles Onkoba, a young aspiring journalist, has finally graduated after years of financial struggles and self-taught training
- He first turned to social media three years ago, sharing viral videos that showcased his talent and passion for journalism
- Kangwana, as he is famously known, shed tears of joy as his name was called during the graduation ceremony
Kisii — Three years ago, Charles Onkoba, popularly known as Kangwana, turned to social media for support to fund his studies.
Source: Facebook
Hailing from a humble background, Onkoba had nurtured a love for journalism from a tender age, but the funds to study it professionally were unavailable.
How Kangwana fell in love with journalism
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, he revealed that his passion for the media began in class three, when he would commentate on school soccer matches.
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By secondary school, he had already identified mentors in the industry who inspired him to pursue his dreams.
Even when there was the will and passion, the young man’s path to the top echelons of the industry has been far from easy.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved both a challenge and an opportunity as he turned to creating short online clips, some of which went viral and helped him build an online following.
“I started being active online on June 15, 2020. Online, I was well received and my video imitating Radio Maisha presenters went viral,” he recounted in an earlier interview.
Kangwana’s educational journey
Despite his talent, financial constraints threatened to derail his ambitions. Onkoba’s parents, earning meagre wages, had done all they could to support him through secondary school.
He struggled to raise the fees needed for the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), where he had received a call-up.
Most of the skills he boasts are self-taught as he often trained himself whenever he had free time, but that did not dim his dream of joining a media school.
His biggest desire, he revealed, was to become a certified member of the fourth estate and give back to society.
Kangwana graduates from KIMC
Stuck on the way forward, he turned to social media and requested help, a call that many well-wishers heeded.
After three years, Kangwana has finally graduated from KIMC, marking a major milestone in his journey to becoming a journalist.
An emotional video captured the young graduate struggling to hold back tears as he walked to the podium to pick his credentials.
“Hard work, persistence, and determination made this moment possible. We came, we saw, we served, and we conquered. On to the next chapter. Congratulations to me!” Onkoba wrote on Facebook, sharing his joy with friends and well-wishers.
Source: Facebook
Kangwana’s inspiring message
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, he reiterated how graduating made him feel proud and deeply encouraged.
“Finishing at KIMC has shown me that nothing is impossible when you work smart and trust in Almighty God,” he said with pride.
His story has inspired many online, reinforcing the message that determination and persistence can overcome adversity.
Having graduated, he not only celebrates personal triumph but also the promise of a future dedicated to telling stories that matter.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
