Ruto Rewards KTN Presenter With Govt Job

The council was created in line with President William Ruto’s directive to nurture sporting talents.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 11, 2023 - 12:03 Updated: Feb 11, 2023 - 12:15
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Ruto Rewards KTN Presenter With Govt Job
A collage of KTN presenter Claudia Naisabwa and President William Ruto. /INSTAGRAM.CLAUDIA NAISABWA/WILLIAM RUTO

KTN presenter, singer and actress Claudia Naisabwa was on Friday, February 10, appointed as a member of the new Talanta Hela Council in a star-studded list of appointments by Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba.

Naisabwa, who was poached by KTN from Eddie Butita-owned media house Stage Presence Media (SPM) Buzz in February 2022, will serve alongside digital strategist Dennis Itumbi at the council chaired by CS Namwamba for a period of three years.

According to a Gazette notice sent to newsrooms, the council was created in line with President William Ruto’s directive to nurture sporting talents.

KTN presenter Claudia Naisabwa with the National Government Affirmative Action Fund team on February 1, 2023. /INSTAGRAM.CLAUDIA NAISABWA

Naisabwa will be among the members tasked with providing the vision and overall policy direction for the Talanta Hela Initiative, ensuring commitment to Talanta Hela at the highest level of government and reviewing the progress as well as addressing the challenges of Talanta Hela.

She will also approve the necessary policy, legislative, budgetary, regulatory and institutional frameworks for the successful implementation of the Talanta Hela Initiative.

"Following the Presidential pronouncement on December 12, 2022, of Government plans to revitalise Sports and the Creative Economy through the revolutionary Talanta Hela initiative, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports has established Talanta Hela Council and its Technical Committees for Sports and the Creatives,” read the Gazette notice in part.

The Principal Secretary in the Department of Sports and his counterpart in the Department of Youth Affairs will also be members of the council, according to the notice. 

"I’m humbled and grateful…this is The Lord’s plan and will for me," Naisabwa wrote on Twitter after her appointment was announced.

Naisabwa currently hosts the Str8up show every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm on KTN. She is also a commercial model and runs her YouTube channel.

She was poached by KTN in 2022 to become the new Iwake host, replacing Jamal Gaddafi who is now at K24 TV.

Butita, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SPM Buzz, wished Naisabwa all the best as she left his company, going down memory lane and highlighting the values which convinced him to take a chance on her, and months down the line, he confirmed that she had been a good hire.

“Claudia Naisabwa, time flies. Just the other day you were from a high school with great potential. You have a positive attitude that's why I gave you a chance and decided I will train you to be the best and shine bright. As you say goodbye to SPM and start a new chapter as host at KTN, I wish you all the best in your journey,” read Butita’s post in part.

He added that he is proud of the young talent and all the strides she has made in the industry within a very short period.

“I am supposed to be sad by am happy because this confirms I made the best. Take charge, believe, and make a difference because you are great and the world is ready for you. May the grace of God be with you. Adios Claudia tu eres un ganador (Bye Claudia, you are a winner). We will miss you,” Butita shared.

Upon seeing the goodbye message, Claudia expressed her gratitude towards Butita, describing him as an amazing boss.

Other marquee appointments by President Ruto's government include sports journalist Carol Radull, singer Wahu Kagwi, TikTok star Azziad Nasenya, veteran radio and TV personality Jimmi Gathu, actress Catherine Kamau and Esther Akoth (Akothee)

Kenya's Javelin legend and Olympic Champion Julius Yego, retired footballer Boniface Ambani and rally legend Carl 'Flash' Tundo were also featured in the latest appointments.

Collage of comedian Churchill, Carol Radull and Azziad Nasenya. /VIRALTEAKE

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