The family of Kenyan journalist Sophie Ikenye, who has been in and out of hospital for the past eight months, has now turned to the public for help in offsetting her escalating medical bills.
In a fundraiser notice issued by the family and shared by internet personality Phillip Etale, they estimated the amount needed for her treatment, which also includes an operation, at Ksh5 million and appealed to anyone who could assist them.
According to the family, they have been supporting her throughout the eight months she has been unwell but have now run out of options as their financial resources have been exhausted.
“Sophie Ikenye Medical Fund Appeal. For the past eight months, Sophie has been undergoing treatment at various medical facilities. As a family, we have done everything possible to support her medical care, but we have now depleted all available funds.”
The family further reiterated that they are open to receiving all forms of assistance, including prayers, and urged well-wishers, as well as her friends and fans, to join them in raising the funds needed for her urgent surgery.
“Your prayers, kindness, and generous contributions will mean the world to us during this difficult time.”
However, the family did not disclose the exact illness the esteemed journalist is battling, and fans have continued to send heartfelt messages, wishing her a swift recovery.
Ikenye’s Career
Ikenye, who began her journalism career as an intern at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), is currently the main presenter for Focus on Africa on BBC World News.
She studied mass communication in Kenya, which led to her internship at KBC. She later transitioned to other media houses, including Citizen TV and NTV Kenya. Over 12 years, she built a career in Kenya’s broadcasting industry before joining the BBC.
She secured the role at the BBC after coming across an application stating that BBC World Service in London was searching for three presenters from East, West, and Southern Africa. She emerged as the successful candidate.
In 2009, she transitioned to presenting the Focus on Africa radio edition, and after just three years, the show was taken onscreen, where she has remained to date.
Throughout her media and journalism career, Ikenye has covered major events across Africa, including the 2011 Nigerian presidential elections and the Libyan crisis, and led the coverage of Kenya’s 2013 elections. She has interviewed more than 10 African presidents and other prominent figures.
