Tribute to pioneer TV journalist

Professionalism and determination to be the best in the field of broadcasting was Charles Stephen Owuor’s motto and drive.

“Sir” Charles, as he preferred to be called, joined then Voice of Kenya as a TV producer in the early 1970s and did his job with zeal and commitment.

He was a prolific producer, combining studio work and outside broadcasting. He was also a remarkable presenter with a commanding and authoritative deep voice.

Owuor, who died on February 9 at Nairobi West Hospital, was responsible for several productions including Play Time, a popular children’s variety show where the children referred to him as Uncle Charles; Mambo Leo, a current affairs talkshow; Dunia Wiki Hii, a Kiswahili production of current events, and a host of drama productions.

He was also an established and talented presenter for various programmes including the popular Ring Us Up radio and television fundraising programmes transmitted over the Christmas and New Year festivities to raise money for the needy.

His broadcasting career took him to many countries, including Japan, India, Germany, Britain and in Africa to attend courses, workshops and seminars.

Owuor then moved to the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) where he pursued a teaching career in television production.

He later became the head of production training at KIMC.

KIMC installed the first colour studios in Kenya, where programmes like Joy Bringers, Vitimbi, District Focus on Rural Development, drama and musical programmes were recorded.

Under the leadership of Owuor, the students’ productions were aired at the then VoK and later KBC.

He mentored and transferred his skills and knowledge of television production to hundreds of producers in Kenya and in the East African region.

In August 1991, he was moved to head the Film Department in the Ministry of Information and Broadcast at Mombasa House.

Owuor was instrumental in the production of Kenya News Reel and a number of documentaries on development issues.

During his watch, the ministry produced the 25 years of independence documentary and the 15 years Nyayo Era documentary which were shown in cinemas around the country.

Owuor was born in 1947 and attended St Peter’s Clavers Primary School in Nairobi before joining Mang’u High School.

He joined Strathmore College — now university — for his ‘A’ level studies and thereafter proceeded to Friends World College in New York for a Bachelor of Arts degree. From New York, he joined the London School of Economics where he studied economics.

While there, Owuor took part in many productions in the BBC African Service at Bush House. It was during his time in London that he delved deep into the performing arts.

He took part in various theatre and film productions including the Glasgow Production’s Hair, The Universal Soldier and The Queen and the Rebel.

In the course of these productions, he worked with African Heritage directors Joe Murumbi and Allan Donovan.

He was instrumental in Kenya’s Air Fiesta Band tour of Great Britain. The band members included John Nzenze, Gebby Wamala, Steele Beauttah and John Kagenda.

When he finally felt the band was in safe hands, he returned to Kenya in 1971 and joined the Voice of Kenya.

Owuor is survived by his wife Janet and four children.