What drew you to media?
I grew up watching CNN and BBC with my father. It was a tradition for us, but even then, it never crossed my mind that I would one day read the news. While in my Senior Five, I thought about doing Law, but I did not think that having no life out of Law school was something I wanted. Then I thought I could try out sciences, but they humbled me. For some time thereafter, I did not know what to do and it bothered my father, who often remarked: “Am I paying school fees for you to be clueless about what you want to be in future?”
Then one day, he told me: “I think you can make a good news anchor.” So I started listening to famous news anchors such as Nancy Kacungira and Christiane Amanpour. That is how I ended up doing journalism.
I anchor the 7am, 8am and 9am news on Power FM and present the Timeline on NTV.
What drove you into joining the career world?
I was looking to practise what I study without waiting to finish school. I also needed to put my skills to use, plus I love to talk. I went into radio and along the way, the Timeline opportunity came along after I met Brian Mulondo, who had come to the Power FM studios. We exchanged numbers and the next time I heard from him, he was calling me for a voice test and now the rest is history.
What challenges have you faced since joining the industry?
I am still learning to multitask because sometimes school pressure can get overwhelming. Starting out, there were times I wondered if I had to do all that was on the schedule but then I knew I had a responsibility to fulfil. Then there was family and friends, who at the start were disturbed by the idea of me waking up at 5am and returning home at 10pm.
Also, I am an introvert, yet I have to talk to people to get information. It is still a learning process and I know I am making progress. I am learning that not everyone thinks the way I do. I am glad that I do not have to lose my cool on some things anymore.
What does the future hold for Mbithi?
I would love to be a TV news anchor someday. I also wish to interview presidents and world dignitaries. At a point in time, I would love to leave active employment and take care of my children because I believe it is important that I am part of their growing up.
I would also love to become a life coach because I love helping people become a better version of themselves.
Mbithi at a glance
I am the first born of two, so naturally I have a headgirl mentality because I am used to being in charge. I am also born again and I go to Watoto Church. I am a student of journalism and communication at Makerere University. Although I have Kenyan blood running through my veins, I have lived in Uganda all my life and I find Ugandans so relaxed compared to Kenyans who work faster.