Terryanne Chebet, a prominent Kenyan media personality, is widely known for her outstanding career in business journalism.
However, one of the most shocking moments in her career came when she was unexpectedly fired from Citizen TV in 2016, just as she was preparing to interview a new Cabinet Secretary.
A Flourishing Career Cut Short
Terryanne Chebet had made her mark in Kenyan media long before her dismissal. She joined Citizen TV, owned by the Royal Media Services (RMS), in 2010 as an associate editor and business reporter.
Her sharp journalistic skills and engaging presence on-screen soon saw her rise to prominence as she became a co-host of Business Court, a prime-time show on Citizen TV.
Throughout her tenure, she gained a reputation for being one of Kenya’s leading business journalists, covering crucial financial stories and interviewing key figures in both the private and public sectors. Chebet’s contribution to the media landscape was undeniable, making her sudden dismissal all the more surprising.
The Shocking Dismissal
In October 2016, Chebet was set to interview a newly appointed Cabinet Secretary. However, instead of conducting the high-profile interview, she was given the shocking news that she was being let go from her position.
“Nothing prepares you for how that feels,” Chebet recalled in a candid interview years later. The news hit her hard, especially since it was delivered just moments before she was to go on air. “I was supposed to interview a Cabinet Secretary at the time but instead, I was sacked,” she revealed.
The public nature of her termination made the situation even more painful. As a well-known figure, her dismissal became a public spectacle, leading to feelings of doubt and insecurity. Chebet admitted to crying through many nights, wondering why she was let go and how it would affect her future.
Overcoming the Setback
Despite the blow, Terryanne Chebet did not allow her firing to define her career. She leaned on her strong support system of family and friends, who helped her regain her confidence and refocus her goals. In 2018, she took on the role of CEO at Fanaka TV, a position that allowed her to channel her passion for business journalism and media management.
By 2019, Chebet had returned to the screen, this time at Metropol TV, where she served as General Manager and anchored business news. Though Metropol TV shut down in 2022, her resilience in the media industry remains an inspiring story of perseverance.
A New Chapter
In January 2023, Chebet announced her comeback to the media world, joining CNBC Africa as a Senior Correspondent. Her new role will see her covering business news across Kenya and the African continent.
