MP Jalang’o Discloses Eye-Popping Salaries of Kenya’s Top Radio Hosts

Felix Odiwuor, the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, better known as Jalang’o, has sparked controversy by revealing the salaries of prominent Kenyan radio hosts.

In a recent episode of the Iko Nini podcast, Jalang’o disclosed the earnings of Maina Kageni and Daniel Ndambuki, also known as King’ang’i, who co-host the popular breakfast show on Classic 105 FM.

According to Jalang’o, both Kageni and Ndambuki earn between Ksh 2 million and Ksh 3 million per month.

Jalang’o expressed that he would personally cap Kageni’s salary at Ksh 2 million, despite acknowledging the considerable revenue generated by Kageni’s show.

“When Maina goes on air, there’s a commercial every break. Everything is sponsored. He brings in about Ksh 10 million a day for the station. If he leaves, the revenue might drop, so why not pay him Ksh 3 million?” Jalang’o said.

He also mentioned that other high-profile presenters, such as Gidi Gidi and Ghost Mulee, are well-compensated, noting Gidi Gidi’s opulent lifestyle.

Jalang’o highlighted Gidi Gidi’s impressive countryside home and his residence in the upscale Karen area as signs of the lucrative nature of the industry.

Kageni’s entry into radio was serendipitous. Initially sent to the UK to study law, he dropped out and returned to Kenya, where he accidentally found his way into radio while trying to promote an event.

Unable to afford a voice-over, he offered to do it himself, impressing the station’s management and securing a job at Capital FM.

He later moved to Nation FM and then to Radio Africa Group, where his salary is reportedly above Ksh 2 million per month.

Kageni has since expanded his career into PR consultancy and other business ventures, with plans to retire soon to focus on personal projects, including a nightclub in Miami.

Mwalimu King’ang’i, known for his role on the Maina and King’ang’i show, is celebrated for his comedic style and engaging approach to discussing social issues and relationships, which complements Kageni’s style and adds to the show’s popularity.