A Mentor Worth Celebrating: Alex Chepkoit’s Journey of Excellence and My Personal Encounter
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There are moments in life that define your future. For me, meeting Alex Chepkoit was one of those pivotal moments.
Today, as he takes up his new role as Associate Editor-Production and Output at The Standard Group, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact he’s had on my journey as a journalist.
It was during my days at Egerton University Town Campus when I was desperate for an attachment opportunity. I had exhausted every option, knocking on the doors of various media houses without success.
Then, a thought struck me why not try The Standard Media Group Nakuru Bureau? With a sliver of hope, I prepared a one-page CV and gathered articles I’d written for editors across multiple platforms.
After dropping off my credentials, I waited, but impatience soon got the better of me.
A new idea formed in my mind: why not approach the Bureau Chief directly? It was a bold move, but I was out of options.
Walking into the newsroom for the first time was nerve-wracking yet exhilarating.
The sound of clacking keyboards filled the air as reporters busily filed stories. My eyes instinctively sought out the Bureau Chief, and I spotted a commanding figure at the far corner of the room. His voice, firm and authoritative, directed colleagues about captions and images.
“That must be him,” I thought.
But just as I made my move, my attention shifted to a smaller, energetic man seated nearby.
His desk was adorned with pens neatly placed in a holder bearing a Kenyan flag, a stack of novels on one side, and newspapers prominently displayed.
He looked youthful and approachable, quite the opposite of what I’d imagined a Bureau Chief to be.
Before I could introduce myself, he turned to me and said softly, “Amos, right? Have a seat.”
To my surprise, this was Alex Chepkoit. His demeanor was calm, his approach disarming. He wasted no time delving into what I had to offer. “What are you doing in campus that makes you think you should be part of The Standard Media team?” he asked.
Luckily, I had come prepared. I laid out my printed articles and shared how I had been running a WordPress blog focusing on campus struggles and holding the administration accountable.
His eyes lit up as he scanned through my work. Then, with a simple yet life-changing statement, he said, “Report as from tomorrow.”
That was the beginning of a career that has now led me to run nakurutimes.africa.
Under Alex’s mentorship, I learned the ropes of journalism, from newsroom etiquette to the art of storytelling. His faith in me was the foundation I needed to build my career.
Today, as Alex ascends to a new role, I celebrate his remarkable journey.
As Associate Editor-Production and Output, he will oversee content production across The Standard Group’s platforms, a role that underscores his expertise, vision, and leadership.
Alex’s career spans nearly two decades of excellence. He rose to prominence after winning the David Astor Journalism Award in 2010, earning a fellowship in the UK, where he honed his skills with The Independent and The Observer. Known for his incisive investigative reporting, Alex has uncovered scandals, social injustices, and critical issues that have shaped public discourse.
His accomplishments are many, from being a celebrated journalist to a speechwriter for the late former President Daniel Arap Moi at Kabarak University. He also boasts an impressive academic background, holding two master’s degrees in Human Resource Management and Journalism and Communication, among other qualifications.
As he takes on this new challenge, Alex remains the same humble, approachable leader who once gave a university student a chance. His promotion is a testament to his dedication to journalism and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of reporters.
Congratulations, Alex Chepkoit, on this well-deserved milestone. Your journey inspires many, and your leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Kenyan journalism.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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