James Mundia: Kittony is a visionary leader who guided Radio Africa's growth

For over a decade, Radio Africa Group Finance Manager James Mundia had the privilege of working closely with outgoing Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony, a leader he describes as a friend, mentor and a man whose wisdom and humility shaped both the company and the people around him.

Mundia said his interaction with Kittony began more than 10 years ago through board engagements and later extended to regular interactions at the secretariat level.

“I have known Kiprono for over 10 years through business interactions. He has been the Board chairman for Radio Africa for the longest time, and over the years I have had the opportunity to interact with him both at board level and at the secretariat level,” Mundia said.

While acknowledging the professional boundaries that exist between a board chairman and management, Mundia said Kittony's leadership style made him approachable and impactful.

“From a personal level, he has been a friend, a mentor and a person who carries wise counsel with him. He has had a significant impact on me personally,” he said.

Among the qualities that stood out most during their first board interactions, Mundia noted Kittony’s remarkable attention to detail and his ability to challenge ideas in a manner that encouraged better thinking and improved decision-making.

“He would go through every detail of a report and ask the difficult questions. He had a way of shifting your thinking and helping you look at issues from a different perspective,” Mundia recalled.

Beyond his sharp business acumen, Mundia said Kittony possessed a rare ability to combine great wisdom with humility, choosing dialogue and collaboration even in situations where different opinions existed.

“He is a very humble man. Despite all his knowledge and experience, he would come down to the level of everyone and reason with people. In many instances where opinions became positions in the boardroom, he chose collaboration,” Mundia said.

As Kittony exits the chairmanship, Mundia said his legacy at Radio Africa will remain deeply embedded in the organisation’s journey from a bold idea into one of Kenya’s leading media houses.

He noted that 25 years ago, Kittony was among the founding shareholders who invested not only financial resources but also belief and conviction in the vision of the company.

“Many ideas begin with excitement but only a few survive through patience, discipline and consistent stewardship. Radio Africa’s journey from a single-brand company to what it is today reflects the strength of his leadership and commitment,” Mundia said.

According to him, Kittony had the ability to look ahead and guide the organisation’s future while remaining grounded in the values that built the company.

“He was able to see beyond the horizon without losing sight of the ground beneath his feet. That balance allowed him to walk with the company through every stage of its growth,” Mundia said.

As he begins a new chapter away from the board, Mundia wished Kittony continued success, good health and the opportunity to enjoy the moments that demanding leadership responsibilities often leave little time for.

“Thank you for your contribution to the company and for the impact you have made to the business. We will forever be grateful for what you have done,” Mundia said.