The family of renowned Kenyan BBC journalist Sophie Ikenye is calling on well-wishers to help raise Ksh5 million for an urgent medical procedure.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the family revealed that Ikenye has been receiving treatment at various medical facilities for the past eight months.
“As a family, we have done everything within our means to support her medical care, but our resources are now depleted. We are reaching out to friends, fans, and well-wishers to help us raise Ksh5 million,” the statement read.
The family also urged the public to support them through prayers and any financial contributions.
How to Contribute
Those willing to assist have been directed to send their contributions via M-PESA pay bill number 8060995, using their name as the account number.
Who is Sophie Ikenye?
Sophie Ikenye is a respected journalist and news presenter at the BBC, where she is one of the lead anchors for Focus on Africa on BBC World News.
Before joining the BBC, she built a successful career in Kenyan media, working with leading broadcasters such as KBC, Citizen TV, and NTV. She also served as a radio news editor at an independent station in Kenya.
Ikenye’s career at the BBC began in 2009 when she started presenting Focus on Africa on radio. She continued in this role for three years until the program transitioned to television in 2012, where she remains one of the main presenters.
Throughout her career, Ikenye has conducted interviews with multiple African presidents and covered major events, including the Nigerian presidential elections and Kenya’s 2013 general elections.
In 2016, she was named among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by the Africa Youth Awards and was also listed as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Kenyans.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Ikenye grew up in a family of retired civil servants. From an early age, she showed a strong interest in public speaking and debate competitions, which helped build her confidence.
Her passion for journalism started in childhood, as she would often practice presenting in front of a mirror, using a spoon as a microphone.
The family remains hopeful that the public’s support will help Ikenye access the medical care she urgently needs.
