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‘Double T’ Torome Tirike: Kenyan Best Football Commentator Who Rose from Earning Ksh 500 Bob at KCB to a Six-Figure Salary at Radio Citizen

The transformative journey from humble beginnings to notable success is often characterized by unwavering determination, resilience, and an enduring passion for one’s chosen path. Torome Tirike, a distinguished radio and TV sports journalist, exemplifies these qualities as he transitioned from a modest monthly income of Ksh500 to now enjoying a substantial six-figure salary.

Tirike has carved an illustrious career in sports journalism, emerging as a prominent figure in the industry by captivating audiences with his football commentary skills and hosting sports shows across various media platforms.

His inspiring narrative serves as a testament to the potency of dedication and the pursuit of one’s aspirations. Tirike’s journey into sports journalism was sparked by the influence of the legendary KBC sports presenter, Jack Oyo Sylvester.

Inspired by Sylvester’s authentic Swahili sports news presentation and live match commentary, Tirike set his sights on becoming a Swahili sports presenter, delving into the captivating world of sports journalism.

While the path to success presented its challenges, Tirike’s determination remained steadfast. He commenced his journey as an intern at KBC, impressing the management with his skills and work ethic, eventually securing a job offer. Despite earning a modest gross salary of Ksh500 per month in his early days at KBC and simultaneously pursuing studies at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), Tirike started as a sports reporter and progressed to football commentaries, gradually building his reputation in the field.

Through unwavering dedication and the passage of time, Tirike’s journey ascended to new heights. His salary increased to Ksh2,000 and later to Ksh10,000, with a portion designated for rent expenses. Following a successful tenure at KBC, he was “poached” by Royal Media Services’ Radio Citizen, where he continued as a sports journalist for seven years, solidifying his standing as a noteworthy media personality.

Yet, Tirike’s appetite for growth and fresh opportunities remained insatiable. His move to MediaMax Networks Limited in 2013 marked another pivotal milestone in his career. Serving as the Sports Editor, he presented Swahili sports news on K24 TV and occasionally provided football commentaries on Milele FM, a sister radio station. This transition came with a substantial increase in salary compared to his time at Radio Citizen, now placing Tirike in the realm of a six-figure income.

Beyond his contributions to sports journalism, Tirike’s impact extends to other domains. According to his Twitter bio, he serves as the Narok County Communication strategist and cultural ambassador.