In Kenya, there are countless stories of individuals who have risen from adversity and achieved remarkable success.
One such inspiring figure is Fred Arocho, a popular TV and radio sports commentator.
His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected voice in the sports industry serves as an encouragement and positive influence for aspiring soccer stars in the country.
Born on November 27, 1976, in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate, Arocho’s path to success is one of determination, talent, and seizing opportunities.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Early Life and Football Career
Growing up in a modest neighborhood, Arocho attended Einsworth Primary School and later Pumwani High School.
His passion for soccer emerged at a young age, and he started playing for Tayo Sportiff in Eastleigh when he was just 7 years old.
Arocho’s love for the game continued throughout his high school years, during which he played professionally for teams like ICDC FC and NSSF FC.
After completing his secondary education, Arocho made his mark in Kenya’s top league.
He played for Sony Sugar for one and a half seasons before joining KCB, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure promotion to the country’s premier league in 1997.
Arocho also represented the national youth teams, showcasing his talent in tournaments such as the East and Central youth championships and the under-23 Olympics youth qualifiers.
These experiences exposed him to some of Africa’s finest soccer stars and further honed his skills on the field.
Transition to Broadcasting
Following his retirement from professional football, Arocho decided to pursue further education.
He enrolled at the Kenya Polytechnic and graduated with a diploma in Business Administration.
However, fate had other plans for him.
A turning point in his life occurred during a match between Mathare United and Gor Mahia at the Nyayo Stadium.
Arocho’s passionate opinions on the game caught the attention of Carol Radull, the programs controller at Radio Jambo.
Impressed by his knowledge and articulation, Radull invited Arocho for an interview.
This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey as a sports commentator.
Arocho joined Radio Jambo as a sports analyst when the station was still in its early stages.
Initially an English station, it later transitioned to Swahili.
Fred Arocho Biography, Age, Family, Background and Career
Arocho’s talent and dedication made him a prominent voice in the sports broadcasting industry, and he soon gained recognition on various TV stations as a sports pundit.
Career Milestones and Move to Radio 47
After 14 successful years at Radio Jambo, Arocho made the difficult decision to leave the station.
He expressed his gratitude to the Radio Africa Group for providing him with the platform to grow his career.
“My time here has taught me a lot both as a broadcaster and as a person. I will forever be grateful for the guidance and support in my role as presenter, and now as I leave I do so with pride and much satisfaction.” the presenter wrote.
Arocho also acknowledged Carol Radull for her instrumental role in his professional development.
“Am once again thankful particularly to Carol Radull for helping me discover a side of me that I might have never discovered if it were not for the opportunity she offered me!” He wrote.
Arocho then joined Radio 47, a newly launched station owned by Cape Media Group.
His decision to switch stations was driven by a generous financial package offered by Radio 47.
Though he did not disclose the exact figure, Arocho stated that it exceeded his previous salary and was the highest he had received in his media career.
Speaking to a group of online media in Nairobi CBD, Arocho stated, “Kusema ukweli offer walinipa ilikua zaidi. Radio Jambo walikua wananilipa vizuri siwezi kataa lakini hao walipitiliza. Siwezi sema ni millioni lakini ni slightly over a half a million kwa hivyo unaeza jijazia hapo,”
Which translates to, “To tell you the truth, the offer they gave me was more. Radio Jambo paid me well, I can’t refuse but they exceeded it. I can’t say it’s a million but it’s slightly over half a million, so you can fill yourself up there,”
Arocho eloquently expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Radio Africa Group, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping his career and entrusting him with the responsibility to fulfill his mandate.
He took a moment to extend his appreciation to the entire staff at Radio Africa Group, recognizing their indispensable contributions to his success at the station.
In particular, he singled out the esteemed veteran sports journalist, Carol Radull, for her exceptional support and guidance.
“I have been on the radio for 15 years in general. The second is growth. In life, you cannot stay in one place for a long time. Sometimes, if you stay in one place for too long, you might lose the desire to move forward. However, the challenge that Radio 47 presented to me, along with the unparalleled opportunities it brought, is something I have never witnessed elsewhere,” He said.
