Mtaalamu J Mburu, whose real name is James Mburu, personifies the concept of a versatile individual. He is the proprietor of both Jambu Tv and Mukeu herbal clinics. Recently, an amusing post garnered attention on social media, portraying him as the omnipresent figure fulfilling every role at his TV station. It was humorously suggested that he was not only the pastor, news anchor, cameraman, producer, voice-over artist but even the guest!
However, in a recent interview with Jeff Kuria, Mburu shared his life journey, shedding light on the path that led him from modest beginnings to the helm of a multimedia empire.
The narrative of his life, as recounted by us, is as follows:
Early Life
James Mburu, born in the tranquil landscapes of Nyandarua County in Karangatha, experienced a childhood marked by adversity and financial hardship. He recalled that their family’s economic plight was so dire that, when something went missing in the village, their home would be the initial suspect due to their impoverished circumstances.
His parents, humble peasant farmers, did their utmost to provide education for their children despite their meager means. Nonetheless, James had to temporarily discontinue his schooling due to financial constraints, and it was during this time that he began composing his own music.
One fateful day, while tending to his grandfather’s livestock, a benevolent individual overheard him singing and lauded his vocal talent. This kind-hearted soul offered to take Mburu to a recording studio to create music and market cassette tapes, which enabled him to assist his family financially and fund his education.
Following his high school graduation, he found work as a laborer in one of Nairobi’s estates, earning a weekly wage of Ksh 20. Despite the meager pay, Mburu managed to save enough money to enroll in a nursing school, providing him with a foothold in a hospital in Nyandarua.
After three years of dedicated service, he secured a position at a herbal school in Limuru, where his expertise in medicine proved invaluable. In the years that followed, he established Mukeu herbal clinic, which now boasts 47 branches in Kenya and three branches in Tanzania, employing over 50 individuals directly.
But Mburu’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2018, he founded Jambu Tv, giving birth to a media conglomerate that not only includes television but also radio stations and multiple other TV channels. Today, he owns Mukeu TV, Karindi TV, Jambu Fm, and a YouTube channel called J. Mburu Official. He also achieved success with Mukeu spring water, a product he introduced.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mburu is a multifaceted talent. He is a musician and film producer, with a portfolio of over 100 songs and more than 300 movies that air on his television network. In his own words, “I work hard because I came from a humble background and would never want to steal from anyone.” His life story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that success is not confined by one’s circumstances but is instead determined by an individual’s resilience and unwavering determination.
