Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
From Fired to Founder: How John Marete Built a Media Empire with Weru TV and More
John Marete, a native of Meru County, turned a career setback into an extraordinary media success story. After completing a degree in Mass Media and Film Production at Kenyatta University, he joined Citizen TV in 2010, eventually rising to Head of Camera by late 2014. However, in February 2016, Marete was among a dozen employees let go—a moment that would shape his future.
Launching Weru TV
Determined not to let unemployment define him, Marete conducted a five-month market study before launching Weru TV in December 2016. The station, focused on Meru culture, quickly became a market leader, surpassing competitors like Baite TV and Meru TV.
Expanding into Radio
Building on this success, Marete launched Weru FM in June 2017, broadcasting in the Ameru language to reach locals without TV access. By recruiting popular media personalities like Rita Kanorio and Makena Materi, the station became the most listened-to vernacular radio in Meru County.
Reaching New Regions
Marete’s vision extended beyond Mt. Kenya. In April 2021, he launched Mutongoi TV, a Kamba-language channel serving the Lower Eastern region from Machakos. News, entertainment, agriculture, and health programs in the local language helped the channel gain rapid popularity. By December 2021, he expanded further with Mutongoi FM, challenging long-established radio stations like Mbaitu FM, Musyi FM, and Syokimau FM, and becoming the fastest-growing Kamba vernacular station in Eastern Kenya.
From a career setback to a thriving media empire, John Marete’s journey proves that resilience, research, and local focus can turn challenges into remarkable opportunities.
