Could you introduce yourself to the Netizens?

My name is Jackson Ngari, a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication and Media Studies at Rongo University. For the past two years, I have dedicated my time seeking and sharing untold stories of Kenya with a hope to improve the plight of my fellow youth men. 

I believe in the transformative power of storytelling. A proud demisexual, deputy parent and a Podcaster.

What sense are you trying to bring out by calling yourself a deputy parent?

Being a deputy parent, I mean, every firstborn kid knows this, you become a second parent to your siblings. You become a caretaker when the parents aren’t around. Sometimes, you cancel your plans just to babysit–Which is the worst thing ever. You have to sacrifice getting some of the things to make sure that your siblings have them first like getting clothes, they should have them first and you have to be the understanding one. Every little thing should be done for them before us. Sometimes, it means going through the whole day hungry, just to make sure your siblings are well fed. You have to defend them everyday even when they’re getting out the right path, be their emotional supporter. Be that sister or brother that they can rely on and love more than anything in this world.

You ameliorate the the plight of your fellow youth men through seeking and sharing their untold stories. In which constructive ways do you share your tales, through podcasting?

If podcasting has taught me a thing, it’s that everyone has a story and I love to share them. But honestly, storytelling has always been a big part of the society. So when it comes to telling tales or rather banters, I’d usually go with podcasting. In podcasting, I use stories to talk about real issues and real lives. There’s lots of positives to sharing your story and, depending on what you’re cool with, there are many different ways to do it. Every story shared is a chance to make someone feel less alone.

Most of your up-building and transformative articles have been making an appearance on different magazines like Radiant Magazine, Campus Vines and Students Magazine. What pushed you to venture into writting and start fighting for the welfare of youths?

Haha! Writing is a passion, it can’t be chosen. It just pushes you to the edge and when you try to resist it, it becomes even mightier and throws you into precipitate. Some people, like me didn’t have a choice. Overall, writing is a way for me personally to convey stories, news because I’m taking Journalism, experiences, thoughts and actions are better than anything else.

And why only the youths?

Indeed, youth represent vibes, energy and take around
75% of our population, are very creative and innovative and should be beacons of hope that should always fight for the community at all times.

As one of the prolific writter and an outonomous podcaster we have so far in Kenya, which other main roles do you play in society apart from addressing matters affecting youths? And how do you balance the roles?

Well, for the prosperity and betterment of our society and as a student, I usually get involved with discussions and community works like communal cleanings, etcetera. Therefore, young men and women of all ages and proffesions should do their best to serve the society. Balancing the roles is even much easier– I usually plot or set some working hours and stick to them.

You’re also a champion of mental health. You recently wrote and managed to publish an educative article that appeared on the Daily Nation newspaper concerning it. Share with us some light about mental health and how society has been affected.

You see, what I do is that; I create personal and meaningful ways to help raise awareness of support evidence-informed education on teen depression and suicide prevention. I’m very determined in making sure that no young person ever feels alone in their depression or in their darkest days.

As a torchbearer, you’ve been illuminating all the dark areas of concern in society for the past two years through storytelling and from it, some of the societal problems are believed to have been solved. Which other specific areas do you also like talking most about may it either be in written form or the podcast that you do?

I pay attention to people’s personalities, their cries for help, their opinions, their beliefs, what they want and put solutions to their problems out there both in writing and podcasting. I enjoy putting up a smile on someone’s face.

Do you live believing that what you deliver to readers and those listening to you have got massive impact on their lives?

Yes, of course, the grand responses I get from friends is what that keeps me sailing.

What are some of the greatest achievements you have made so far as far as communication and media studies is concerned?

I’m the founder of podcast dubbed ‘4_reigners’. I got to sign in three of my best-talented friends and we’re currently doing well. I have been recognized by the @Number One podcast in the Country (No Name Podcast Ke). Also, some weeks ago I was verified by Twitter. It really doubled my glee.

Being a baptized christian, I know Bible means a lot to you. Which nourishing verse do you find it best and keeps you doing the most?

Isaiah:60.22 which says, ” The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

What are your aspirations this year?

Just a favourable 2022. We shoot those shots and make new entries into places we never dreamt of.

Blue Star Insider

By MAXWELL KAMAU