Smriti Vidyarthi Departs NTV After 16 Years: Reflecting on Her Remarkable Career

After 16 Years, Smriti Vidyarthi Bids Farewell to NTV

After more than 16 years as one of Kenya’s most esteemed broadcast journalists, Smriti Vidyarthi has officially parted ways with NTV Kenya, marking the conclusion of a distinguished tenure at Nation Media Group (NMG).

Announcing her departure on social media, Smriti expressed her gratitude to viewers for their trust and support, inviting them to watch her final 9 PM bulletin.

“Sixteen and a half years of service to the Nation Media Group and the nation at large. Thank you for trusting me. For now, tune in tonight at 9 PM for my last bulletin on NTV,” she wrote.

An Outpouring of Reactions

Smriti’s announcement sparked a wave of reactions from colleagues, fans, and industry insiders, all acknowledging her professionalism, dedication, and impact on Kenyan journalism.

Many Kenyans took to social media to wish her success in her future endeavors. @clichy_malooks marveled at her lengthy tenure, writing, “16 years. Damn!” while @fabmikel expressed curiosity about her next step, simply asking, “Next stop?”

Fellow journalists and colleagues celebrated her contribution to the industry. @Ramah_Nyang wished her well in her next chapter, while @MuthumaGabriel reflected on the privilege of participating in her interviews.

Media personality @xtiandela hailed her as the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), and @manhattan254 praised her work ethic, saying, “If professionalism could be summed up in one sentence… for that, I owe you a follow. 🍻 to greater heights, mademoiselle.”

Fans also reminisced about her signature segment, The Memo, known for its concise and insightful news summaries. @mbugua605 paid tribute, saying, “The Memo always delivers precise and impactful summaries.”

What’s Next for Smriti?

While Smriti has yet to reveal her next career move, speculation is rife about whether she will remain in journalism, transition to advocacy, international media, or explore a new field altogether.

Some fans humorously suggested unexpected career shifts. @EMachariaK joked, “Smriti is joining me in farming, kwani hamjui? Anyway, all the best in your endeavors.” Others, like @Dbx_254, speculated that recent changes at Nation Media Group may have influenced her departure.

A Legacy of Excellence

Smriti Vidyarthi has been a cornerstone of Kenyan journalism since joining NTV in 2007, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in prime-time news.

An accomplished news anchor, interviewer, and documentary producer, she is known for her ability to present complex stories with clarity and depth. Over the years, she has covered major political, economic, and social developments while championing environmental journalism and wildlife conservation.

Her impactful storytelling earned her a loyal following, with many appreciating her coverage of wildlife and tourism-related issues. @ROMANCFC3 acknowledged this, writing, “You educated many on wildlife matters. You’re a GOAT in my book.”

Beyond journalism, Smriti has been a strong advocate for human rights, gender equality, and social justice, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices. @kittsannemarie commented, “This is such a huge loss… I have loved your news pieces. Thank you for standing up for others. Wishing you the best!”

Her ability to connect with audiences was evident, as noted by @vlad_kruschev, who wrote, “You are the reason I watched TV.”

As Smriti embarks on a new chapter, her impact on Kenyan journalism remains undeniable, and her next move is eagerly anticipated.

First birthday as a mother! NTV’s Smriti Vidyarthi given surprise birthday treat (photos) 

NTV news anchor Smriti Vidyarthi was given a surprise birthday party by fellow employees at the NTV studios on January 2.

Vidyarthi took to social media to share the photos of the small party and thanked her workmates who treated her to a mouth-watering cake.

Thankful

It’s also the first birthday since the news anchor gave birth last year. Vidyarthi managed to keep the pregnancy news under wraps last year until her baby shower.

The Wild Talk show host welcomed her first child named Ariyana.

My first birthday as a mother. I’m filled with gratitude. I’ll find the strength just for you. #January2nd,” she said.

 

It’s a baby season! NTV news anchor Smriti Vidyarthi spotted rocking a grown baby bump

Another news anchor,  Smriti Vidyarthi has been rocking her baby bump for a few months now but like most people she chose to keep the news on the low.

Judging from a photo which is currently making rounds on social media, it seem that the lady could be in her second or third trimester judging from the size of the bump.

Also read: Lilian Muli shows off her grown baby bump in classy sassy dress

News about her baby bump comes after her fellow colleague Lilian Muli; from Citizen shared an adorable photo of herself rocking her baby bump in a black and white polka dot dress.

Celebrities expecting baby’s in 2018

Smriti now joins the list of celebrities mum’s to welcome their babies this year. This is however her first child after marrying the love of her life a while back.

Check out her grown bump below.

 

“I’m gutted to see him leave” Larry Madowo, Ken Mijungu, Smriti Vidyarthi react to Linus Kaikai’s exit from NTV

NTV’s General Manager Linus Kaikai has quit his job and the junior staff is sad about his exit. A feeling of sadness and despondency engulfed the Kimathi street-based media house after Kaikai’s exit was confirmed.

Kaikai is said to be heading to Citizen TV to fill the position left vacant by Faridah Karoney who was appointed Lands Cabinet Secretary by Uhuru.

Kaikai had a disagreement with Chief Editor Tom Mshindi last month over the covering of Raila Odinga’s swearing. Police ‘hunted’ Kaikai together with Larry Madowo and Ken Mijungu in regard the swearing in and TV shutdown.

Also read: Human rights groups stop police from arresting Larry Madowo, Linus Kaikai and Ken Mijungu

A boss like no other!
Larry Madowo and Linus Kaikai

Larry Madowo, Ken Mijungu and Smriti Vidyarthi have all praised Linus Kaikai upon his exit from NTV. Madowo says he is gutted to see Kaikai leave NTV.

“I owe my whole broadcast career to @kaikailinus; the best boss a journalist can ever ask for. I’m gutted to see him leave @ntvkenya today.‬ ‪It’s the end of an era here. It will never be the same again. Goodbye and good luck!‬” Wrote Larry Madowo.

Linus Kaikai and Smriti Vidyarthi

“A boss like no other! One I will never forget. @kaikailinus thank you for everything. Wishing you the very best in your future endeavors. You will be missed. @ntvkenya,” wrote Smriti Vidyarthi.

 

 

 

 

 

Prolonged tallying of election results takes its toll on Larry Madowo and Smriti Vidyarthi (Photos)

Journalists from all media houses in Kenya are working extra hours to cover 2017 election as results continue tricking in from all over the country.

News anchors are spending more time at TV studios while reporters are on the ground to report any development. Some journalists are spending the night at station just covering election news.

Larry Madowo and Smriti Vidyarthi at NTV studio

NTV has paired Larry Madowo and Smriti Vidyarthi to cover election news. The duo caused tongues to wag when they ‘behind the scene’ photos taken at NTV studio. In the photos, Larry and Smriti depict signs of exhaustion and fatigue.

Larry Madowo and Smriti Vidyarthi relax at NTV studio

The two NTV anchors are seen seated at the studio with Larry drinking a cup of tea/coffee while fatigue passed time scrolling through her phone.

“How @smriti_vidyarthi and I are surviving these extraordinary times,” Larry Madowo captioned one of the photos.

Journalists will continue working for extra hours until IEBC announces the final results of all elective positions that were contested for by politicians in 2017 general election.