Her pedigree in the journalism field is world class. Her poise, self confidence, delivery and mastery of the Queen’s English catapulted Julie Gichuru to a household name in Kenya. Julie is what you would confidently refer to as an all rounded journalist in the mold of Larry Madowo.
The TV siren thrived in print when she ran a lifestyle magazine called quest; did even better when she joined Capital FM where she hosted a radio talk show, and became a darling to many Kenyans when she moved to TV.
Julie has been the brains behind a sizeable number of successful TV Shows before she called it quits.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Julie Gichuru the entrepreneur
Her exit from Citizen TV at the peak of her career was thought to be ill advised by some quarters but she seemed to have had everything figured out. Julie, who is married to billionaire Samuel Gichuru’s son Anthony Gichuru, has blossomed as a business lady.
She started Arimus Media that touts itself as an African production focusing on “powerful and creative content in digital and multimedia production”. Arimus Media was behind:
Africa Leadership Dialogues: Guests in this interactive talkshow which aired on KBC discuss the state of affairs in the African continent and attempt to provide answers on how best to tackle whatever is dogging the continent.
Julie Gichuru hosted the Pan African TV show. Other shows on Arimus Media menu includde Maisha aired on K24, Fatumas Voice (work still in progress), IBUA Africa (still in the works), the Glam Show with Emily Manjeru, Shinde Washinde hosted by Julie Gichuru and Jalongo and the Great Debaters contest.
Mimi Online Shop
Julie set up the business in partnership with her husband Anthony. She told How we made it in Africa’s Dinfin Mulupi of how the idea was conceived:…
”As a TV anchor I was struggling to find affordable, quality, trendy clothing. Several suppliers reached out to me and I decided to take it to the next level by setting up the business in partnership with my husband Anthony Gichuru,” part of the interview read.
Mimi online stocks youthful and trendy designs, classic and sophisticated clothing “excellent value”, atleast according to their website.
mCHEZA Betting site
Betting has become one of the most profitable business ventures in the country. Acumen Communications Ltd (ACL) entered into a partnership in 2015 with global gaming company to birth mCheza.
According to Nairobinews, ACL pumped over Ksh1 billion for the venture. Julie Gichuru who is the director of ACL said during the launch of the gaming platform: “Over and above being fun, mCHEZA is nurturing local talent by identifying and sponsoring local sports initiatives that try to uplift the living standards of the marginalized through sport.”
Achievements and awards
Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness-is the first woman to receive this prestigious award following her non violence advocacy when the country plunged into the 2007 post election violence.
Africa Leadership Initiative
Aspen Global Leadership Network
Young Global Leader
Order of the Golden Warrior-awarded by former President Mwai Kibaki in 2011
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Program-Julie is a fellow
Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa
60 Most Influential African Women in the World
