A VOICE WITH A VISION: The Ambition and Making of Joseph Songa
By Doreen Ndanu,
A boy who once listened to the radio with admiration is gradually becoming the voice he always dreamed of being. For Joseph Songa, journalism is more than a career choice; it is a childhood dream shaped by determination, courage and an unwavering belief that every voice deserves to be heard.
For Joseph Songa, the journey into journalism did not begin in a university lecture room or a professional broadcasting studio. It began much earlier, when he was just a young boy fascinated by the voices coming through his radio. As he listened to presenters and journalists, he developed a growing desire to one day sit behind the microphone and tell stories of his own.
Now a third-year student at Chuka University, Songa is gradually turning that childhood dream into reality. He is a presenter at Chuka University Radio, where he hosts the Breakfast Show. Besides his broadcasting responsibilities, he also serves as a programme host and takes up leadership roles within the university.
Originally from Bondo Constituency in Siaya County, formerly Nyanza Province, Songa's journey reflects the determination of a young man who refuses to let his background dictate his future.
His interest in journalism developed at an early age. Growing up, he noticed that many students had opinions, talents and stories worth sharing but lacked the platforms to express themselves. This observation, together with his growing love for radio, inspired him to pursue a career in journalism.
The passion followed him into primary school, where he had already developed an interest in the profession. When he later joined Ramba Boys High School, he found another opportunity to nurture his dream through the school's journalism club. Rather than treating journalism as a passing interest, he continued exploring ways to develop his skills.His transition to Chuka University opened yet another chapter. During auditions at Chuka University Radio, Songa approached the opportunity with confidence, believing in his abilities and knowing that he had prepared himself for such a moment. Today, his position as a Breakfast Show presenter reflects how far he has travelled from being an ordinary radio listener to becoming part of the broadcasting team.
Away from the studio, Songa has equally demonstrated an interest in leadership and student representation. He serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Elite Media Club, a position that has helped shape his experience as a student journalist. He is also involved in the Journalism Students Association of Kenya (JSAK), where he serves in the Communications and Publicity Secretariat.
His leadership journey did not begin at university. It dates back to his primary and secondary school years, where he held different leadership positions. These experiences gradually shaped his confidence, sense of responsibility and ability to work with others.
However, behind the confidence and ambition lies a journey that has not always been smooth. Songa acknowledges that leadership comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly financial struggles. Sometimes, serving others means sacrificing personal comfort, time and resources. These experiences have taught him that leadership is not simply about holding a title but about commitment, responsibility and action.
Despite the hurdles, he remains focused on the bigger picture. He envisions himself becoming a great journalist, using his skills and voice to inform, educate and give people a platform to be heard.
His message to young people, especially those who come from humble backgrounds, is that their beginnings should never determine their destination. He believes that instead of viewing a difficult background as a disadvantage, young people should use it as motivation to work towards something greater.
"Don't see your humble background as a setback; see it as a breakthrough. Lead yourself first," is the lesson he shares with those looking up to him. For Songa, the journey is still unfolding. Between the demands of academics, broadcasting and leadership, he continues to build a name for himself, one opportunity at a time.
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