From Radio Intern to Media Leader: Nancy Kwamboka’s Inspiring Journey to Head of Egesa FM

The Rise of Nana Ediva: From Dreams to Leadership in Vernacular Media

Nancy Kwamboka, fondly known by her fans as Nana the Diva or Nana Ediva, describes herself as a “girl next door.” A mother of three, she has carved a remarkable career in Kenyan media as a radio presenter at Egesa FM and programs manager at Royal Media Services. Her journey from humble beginnings to leading one of South Nyanza’s most popular radio stations is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up, Kwamboka was drawn to television, inspired by media personalities such as Kanze Dena and the late Catherine Kasavuli. Her early aspirations were in air travel and tourism, and she even earned a scholarship to study in London. However, the untimely passing of her father changed her path, leading her to pursue a Diploma in Mass Communication at Multimedia University.

Like many media students, she began with an internship at KBC in the TV production department, under the mentorship of Josephine Karani and Rachael Nakitale. But Kwamboka’s passion was radio, away from the TV cameras, so in 2007 she applied for an internship at Royal Media’s Egesa FM—and landed the role.

“At that time, many journalists were shy of working for vernacular media stations. But I was up to the task,” she later recalled.

During the post-election violence of 2008, Royal Media extended her internship due to a shortage of journalists. She often worked grueling hours alongside her colleagues, covering critical stories under tense conditions. It was during this period that her colleagues noticed her impeccable style and nicknamed her “Ediva,” a name that stuck and reflected her vibrant personality.

After completing her internship, Kwamboka was offered a full-time position as a radio presenter, which also involved creating marketing and promotional content for Egesa, Ramogi, and Citizen radios. In 2013, when then-head of Egesa FM, Alice Chai, resigned to run for Nyamira County Women Representative, Kwamboka—then deputy—was promoted to head of the station.

Her first major project as station head was organizing a roadshow to promote voter civic education in South Nyanza. Thanks to her leadership and organizational skills, the roadshow was a huge success, and that year, Egesa FM became the most listened-to radio station in the region.

Kwamboka’s career, however, has not been without challenges. The rise of digital media brought cyberbullying, with detractors creating pages and sending derogatory letters to tarnish her reputation. She credits the unwavering support of her superiors and Royal Media’s HR department for helping her stay resilient and focused on her career.

Nancy Kwamboka’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the ability to rise above adversity—a story that inspires aspiring media professionals across Kenya.