CoELIB Empower Workforce Development Program creates, sustains and retains a strong workforce for improved job performance. The Program offers various services, from internships, industrial placements, and workforce solutions to employers. This Alumni Spotlight edition catches up with one of the Program’s beneficiaries, Mr Daniel Kihoro, a media and communications student at Egerton University.

Please introduce yourself and describe your affiliation with the CoELIB Empower workforce development program.

Thank you for having me. I'm Kihoro Daniel. I studied Media and Communications at Egerton University; my affiliation with the program was an industrial attachment, followed by a year-long internship.

Great. Please share key takeaways from your time at CoELIB, specifically in TV production.

Skills like show hosting, camera operation, and editing are just a few of the skills I learned in the program. To this date, these are still helpful in my day-to-day experiences as a media professional.

That's good to know, Daniel; tell us how the internship played a part in an idea you worked on; could it be in graphics, broadcasting, or editing?

Yes, I currently work part-time as a cameraperson and editor for Kilimo Faida TV; I practice the skills I acquired at CoELIB in this role. I also serve as the station's social media manager thanks to the communication skills I gathered at CoELIB.

From what you are saying, it's clear that the program prepared you for your career goals or academic pursuits within the media industry.

The program made me aware of the possible industry challenges and the most likely solutions to them; things like deadlines and problem-solving have been invaluable to me in reaching my goals as a professional.

Reflecting on your expectations right at the start of your internship, would you say that the experience fits your future goals?

When I joined the program, I planned to develop as much as possible in areas of TV production; the support and teamwork I experienced from everyone at CoELIB exceeded my expectations for sure; everything was coordinated seamlessly.

During this period, I had the opportunity to serve as an MC at various events organized by Egerton University, which further ignited my passion for media.

Great, please tell us about a project you were involved in during your time at CoELIB, and also share with us any ongoing projects you are currently working on.

During my internship, I created and hosted "Meza Moto.", a political show that shared politics and lifestyle with Egerton University students. Working on "Meza Moto" was a surreal experience; the show gave me direct access to the youth and their issues and a chance to be a part of the solution. At the moment, I put to the test the skills I gained in my work at Kilimo Faida TV.

Thanks for sharing; what are some of the challenges you faced, and how can the program be improved

Yes, the internship was a success despite its challenges; the guests scheduled for interviews were sometimes unreliable, and the CoELIB Media team handling the production sometimes had other assignments. These challenges were, however, met with solutions from the team. In the future, CoELIB should implement plans to ensure the shows continue past the internship period.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at CoELIB. Do you have any final remarks?

Thank you for having me; my time at CoELIB made me a better professional. I want to thank the media team and the workforce development program for the opportunity.