Maina Kageni recalls squandering hard-earned college fees on fun and fast life abroad
Popular radio personality Maina Kageni has opened up about a regretful chapter of his life that left both his future and his relationship with his mother hanging in the balance — a time when he squandered his hard-earned college fees on the fast and reckless pleasures of life abroad.
Speaking during a quick-fire interview with a local media house on the night of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the seasoned broadcaster revealed that while he had been sent to the United Kingdom to pursue his studies, the experience quickly spiralled into something else entirely, as he never even set foot in a lecture hall.
Despite his mother’s initial devastation, Maina shared that she remains his closest friend today, a testament to their enduring bond, even after the heartbreak she endured upon discovering that the money set aside for his education had instead funded nights out, leisure, and other indulgences.
“Now college is another whole story for me because I actually went to the UK for university, but my school fees got stuck between me and entertainment there, so we had problems with my mum. I did not drop out as such; I did not even attend any classes at all. We had problems, yes, but my mom is still my best friend,” he said with a warm smile.
The media icon revealed that his childhood nickname was “Maish”, and while he has since become a household name across Kenya, his journey has been full of colourful twists and surprising truths.
Asked about the last time he told a lie, Maina admitted that it was last Thursday, without elaborating, while noting that the last time he cried was when Manchester United dramatically beat Lyon 5–4 — a match that, for reasons only true football fans would understand, touched something deep within him.
“The last time I cried was when Manchester United beat Lyon 5–4. I do not know why, but I somehow cried because I was also in some way happy. Arsenal? Least favourite team, by far,” he added with a grin.
In terms of his early beginnings, Maina’s first job involved handling receipts in a company owned by media mogul SK Macharia, who is also his uncle.
At school, History was his favourite subject and Mathematics his least, although he was still among the top five students, something he takes quiet pride in today.
When it comes to food, Maina was quick to say that ndengu is his least favourite meal, while pork belly tops the list of his favourites.
While he is not known for his culinary skills, he does claim he makes a mean plate of eggs — probably his go-to when he wants to whip something up fast.
And while few know this about him, Maina let slip that he has a hidden talent: he is actually a singer, with some recorded tracks both in Kenya and the UK, though he insists that chapter of his life is firmly in the past.
“I know you will not believe this when I tell you, but do you know I have recorded a song? I have recorded a song in Kenya and in the UK. I cannot sing my song because that is my past life,” he added.
The self-proclaimed car enthusiast revealed that his dream car is the BMW X6 M Sport — a beauty which he said he has already added to his growing collection, which already includes three cars.
He also shared that he does not have any tattoos, wakes up every day at 4:30 am sharp, and recently splashed about KSh600,000 during a lavish vacation in Mombasa, where he says he took time to unwind and reflect.
“I do not have any tattoos, and my dream car is the BMW X6 M Sport. I own three cars so far. Since the first one, I have had 12 cars. I wake up at 4:30, but on Sunday I sleep late when there is golf,” he added.
Best advice
Among the many nuggets he shared during the session was the best advice he ever received.
The advice he shared is that when someone is young, they should focus on pursuing their dreams boldly without hesitation, and that once they grow older, they should be discerning about where they channel their investments in order to secure a rewarding and respectable retirement.
“The best advice I have ever received so far is that when you are young, chase your dreams; when you are older, be careful where you invest,” Kageni said.
On being asked about the one thing he wishes he had learnt earlier in life, he said it was ‘wash wash’ — though clearly in jest — referencing the infamous Kenyan slang for shady money-making schemes.
He remarked that ‘wash wash’ billionaires often fascinate him with the ease with which they rake in and flaunt their wealth, adding that had he known their tricks back then, he would probably be holding the title of billionaire himself by now.
“Not that I know, but I wish I had learnt ‘wash wash oh. Oh, billionaires, I wish I were a billionaire, oh,” he said.
On the musical front, his all-time favourites include Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, Michael Jackson, and Uganda’s music powerhouse, Chameleone — an eclectic mix that reflects his taste for both timeless classics and contemporary East African hits.
“Right now, Chris Brown. I have always loved Shaggy. I love Nameless, Chameleone and Harmonize. Harmonize is my guy. I love people who sing so much,” he said.
