For the 2011 2^nd Upper Class B.Com alumnus, the sky is definitely the limit. Hardly three years have gone by since he graduated from Strathmore University; out-going, self-driven, go-getter and inspiring young man has had opportunities come his way. For Laban, currently Business Journalist at NTV and who only recently was awarded first runners-up at  the Best New Comer Category in the Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards – DABRA 2013; it has been sheer hard work and passion to get to where he is.

 

After graduation, in August 2011, Laban Cliff joined the graduate management programme at General Electric (GE) together with 5 others from the Strathmore School of Management and Commerce (SMC). He was a HR Operations Trainee, having been a founder of Strathmore Human Resource Club (SHREC) as well as a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM).

 

Eight months later, he made a career switch to Business Journalism after landing a position at CNBC. This move puzzled many, but he explained that during his stint in HR, he came across many employees who worked simply to earn a salary! Deep within himself, he felt that life should be worth more than a fat account balance at the end of the month.

After deep soul-searching and reflection on his career path, he was convinced that his strength, talent and attributes did not entirely match the profession. “I did not want to be caught up working entirely for financial success over career satisfaction”

 

At CNBC, he had the responsibility to report business stories making headlines, as well as conduct interviews with business leaders. He also assistedin the production of Eye on Kenya’, a business and investment programme.

At CNBC, he was now able to apply his journalistic skills in analyzing, questioning and reporting on trends across the East African region. This provided him with an in-depth knowledge of emerging business trends across the region and a thirst to research – a vital aspect in ensuring that the business news is factual and accurate.

 

Laban is a first-born in a family of 4. Apart from work, he is an avid reader of motivational books and investment magazines. He is a Rally Co-Driver and together with Safaricom’s Nzioka Waita, they have been participating in the Kenya National Rally Championships. He is convinced that with rallying, he is able to put his faith into action, and to spread God’s Love through his talent in racing.

 

While at Strathmore, Laban served in the pioneer Student Council as the Public Relations representative. He was the founder of SHREC (Strathmore Human Resource Club) and served as MC for many events. He believes all these activities gave him the confidence to face the corporate world.

 

We wish Laban Cliff all the very best in his endeavours.