Veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka has hit back at critics who believe he should retire from Royal Media Services to create opportunities for the younger generation, arguing that his continued work is doing far more good than people realise.
Speaking during a candid interview on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Machoka, who is marking 50 years as a broadcaster, was visibly passionate as he addressed the recurring question about his reluctance to step down.
Fred Machoka defends his longevity in media
Machoka turned the argument on its head by pointing out that his role at Royal Media is just one piece of a much bigger picture.
He said he employs close to 100 young Kenyans through Fred’s Ranch and Resort, a business he built from the income he earns through broadcasting.
“Would you rather I left what I’m doing at Royal Media for one person and then closed Fred’s Ranch?” he asked pointedly.
Beyond employment, Machoka said the ranch also supports food production, with cows, farmland and workers all benefiting from the operation.
He added that he has personally planted more than a million trees on the property, describing it as an ecosystem that is good for both the people working there and the environment.
He also used the moment to speak broadly about Kenya’s food security, expressing frustration at the country importing basic commodities such as eggs from Uganda despite the Kenyan shilling being worth more than 20 Ugandan shillings.
“We must make sure we can feed ourselves,” he said.
Watch the video below:
@micchequepodextra #BanterTime #micchequepodcast #radio #industry ♬ original sound – .Mic Cheque Pod Extra.
Kenyans divided over his response
The clip quickly sparked debate online, with many Kenyans weighing in on both sides of the generational change argument.
@Colonel, his majesty wrote:
“My question is this: he can leave, but the one to replace him, he’s nowhere to be found. That’s why he was begged to return as the OG.”
@Mr. Furnisher Oj agreed:
“To be sincere, none in Royal Media has fully fitted the shoes of Fred Machoka. When given the opportunity, they don’t do the program even halfway.”
@audiben254 pushed back, writing:
“But he has already created the ranch, go manage it so that another person gets the opportunity to create another ranch and hire other young people.”
@Kim raised a similar concern:
“Kama wazee wanajitetea na ranch na properties they own sasa vijana tutafanaya nini walai…….does it mean when he leaves Royal Media he will close the Ranch am just wondering.”
