Signs TV host Jonah Simba encouraged people with Visual Impairments to use technology to achieve their goals.
Simba, who hosts two shows on Signs TV: Politics Today and Treasures of Life Show, a motivational show that covers mental health and emotional intelligence, described how he had to go from one media organization to the next in search of a job in the media industry.
“I was looking for a platform to reach out to people who are Visually Impaired. I walked from one TV station to the next, but my efforts were futile.
Some stations that accepted would demand a large sum of money for me to air my two-day program,” he explained.
Simba grew hopeful after chatting with a Human Resource Manager from one of Kenya’s television stations.
“After speaking with HR, I was confident that my dream would come true. However, after a while, the HR department failed to provide as promised,” he said.
Companies that would consider him would deny him a chance during prime time, while others would tell him that all slots had been filled.
“At some point, I felt as if whatever I was chasing was not made for me. I was not discouraged, however, and continued to look for a cheaper platform,” he added.
During his quest, the flamboyant broadcaster came across Signs Media Kenya, which offered him the opportunity to host his dream fantasy TV shows.
“When I arrived at Signs TV, the manager requested my proposal, which he gratefully accepted. He actually offered me a job, and I’ve been working here since February 2020,” he explained.
EDUCATION
Simba studied Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology at East Africa School of Theology and Public Relations at Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB).
During his studies at KUB, he decided to take advantage of a studio that the European Union had established at the institution.
“However, I was dissatisfied when I discovered that there were no cameras in the studio. That’s when I began my journey in search of a TV station to offer me an opportunity to host my shows,” he said.
Later, the Signs TV manager took him for media training. Simba encouraged all those with Visual Disabilities to pursue their aspirations.
“With today’s technology, we can use computers to write news and even create our own shows. Let us all use technology to our advantage.
Jobs are in short supply right now, so if you have a platform to air your vision, take advantage of it,” he said.