Daring Abroad, hosted by veteran journalist Alex Chamwada, is widely regarded as one of the country’s top television shows right now.
The show’s unique concept of highlighting stories of Kenyans doing amazing things in the diaspora has won over many viewers.
However, the route to launching the program was not smooth, as Chamwada was rejected by one of his old supervisors, who did not think the idea was fantastic.
In a Facebook post, Chamwada stated that one of his supervisors rebuffed the show’s concept, implying that no one was concerned about what was occurring in the diaspora.
“When I suggested producing stories za Majuu (abroad), a boss in a newsroom told me ‘who cares’,” he said.
Back then, he generally covered politics and local interest issues, but he would occasionally travel abroad to cover elections in countries such as the United States.
Whenever he traveled abroad for such projects, Chamwada would fit in one or two diaspora stories and push for coverage when he returned.
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He also used his abroad assignments to network with people from all across Europe, America, and the rest of the world.
In 2014, while working for Citizen TV, Chamwada decided to leave his job and pursue a different career.
He chose to revisit the idea of diaspora stories, which led to the creation of Daring Abroad, which premiered on KTN in April of 2015.
When the first episode aired, the show garnered great feedback because it was a pioneer program in the country.
Daring Abroad expanded, and in three months, Chamwada launched another show called The Chamwada Report, which focused on human interest stories in the country.
He feels that his show has increased the country’s appreciation for the diaspora, prompting the establishment of a state department in charge of diaspora matters.
“Look at where I am now! Diaspora is now a hit. Everybody wants a piece of the Diaspora. GOK has established a diaspora department, and we are pleased that the department is working closely with #DaringAbroad CHAMS MEDIA
“I thank the editor who rejected my concept! The editor pushed me harder and made my goal come reality. Believe in yourself. Just begin! And you can turn your idea into a business,” he added.
The show aired on KTN TV for a few years before Chamwada chose to leave the network and establish a contract with NTV, which began showing Daring Abroad in 2020.
To date, he has covered hundreds of tales about Kenyans who have dared to go abroad, inspiring many to believe that if Kenya is not working for them, they can look for chances elsewhere.
