Lolani Kalu’s TV comeback has captivated audiences, marking a remarkable return for the former NTV journalist who faced a sudden layoff years ago. Known for his iconic “Malimwengu na Lolani” segment, Kalu is now delighting viewers as Babu, the wise grandfather in Citizen TV’s hit soap opera Sultana.
His journey from the newsroom to the dramatic stage serves as a powerful reminder of resilience amid career uncertainties. Kalu’s exit from NTV in late 2017 came after 18 dedicated years, part of a broader restructuring at Nation Media Group that saw several journalists let go.
The layoff hit hard; Kalu, then in his prime, found himself grappling with financial woes that forced him back to his roots in Kaloleni, Kilifi County. What followed were lean times: a failed investment scam wiped out his savings, his father’s illness drained what little remained, and he even turned to freelance content creation that barely paid the bills.
“It was a tough pill to swallow,” Kalu shared in a recent interview, reflecting on how the stability he’d built vanished overnight. Yet, Kalu’s story didn’t end in despair. Drawing on his early passion for the arts—honed since 1985 at Sauti ya Kenya and the Kenya National Theatre—he auditioned for acting roles.
His breakthrough came with a part in the film Pete on Maisha Magic East, but it was landing the role of Babu in Sultana that truly reignited his career. As the blind yet insightful patriarch advising the show’s protagonist, Kalu’s performance has earned rave reviews.
Fans praise his natural charisma, a blend of his journalistic poise and inherited acting flair from his nonagenarian mother. “Seeing Lolani back on screen feels like a win for all of us who’ve faced setbacks,” one viewer commented on social media.
Lolani Kalu’s TV comeback underscores a harsh reality in Kenya’s job market: transitions are inevitable, and preparation is key. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a mid-career professional, the swift passage of time demands readiness for the unexpected.
Job security feels increasingly elusive in an era of economic shifts, AI disruptions, and corporate restructurings. Kalu’s experience echoes the stories of countless Kenyans who’ve been blindsided by layoffs, only to scramble for stability.
In Kenya, retirement policies add another layer of urgency to financial planning. Most private companies enforce retirement at 55, while public institutions like the Supreme Court extend it to 70.
This disparity highlights why starting early matters. “You can’t rely on your employer forever,” advises financial expert Jane Wanjiku, who notes that many laid-off workers deplete savings quickly on essentials like rent and medical bills. Kalu himself admitted to regretting not diversifying his income sooner during his NTV tenure.
While still employed, smart moves can build a buffer. Investing in small enterprises—be it a side hustle in agribusiness or digital freelancing—offers growth potential. Savings accounts, even modest ones, act as emergency funds for crises like Kalu’s family health issues. He’s since advocated for multiple income streams, including his music gigs on piano and drums in a Swahili band.
Post-layoff, Kalu briefly secured a deal with TV47 to revive Malimwengu, but acting proved his true pivot. Job loss often stems from factors beyond an employee’s control: owners sell businesses, markets fluctuate, or strategies change. Managers might depart abruptly, leaving teams in limbo. Kalu learnt this firsthand when NTV’s decisions upended his life. Many others face similar fates—some even relocate or strain family ties due to mounting debts.
Heartbreaking tales abound of parents abandoning households or skipping meals to make ends meet. Companies, prioritising survival, sometimes view layoffs as necessary evils, sidelining employee welfare.
This self-interest drives home the need for personal vigilance. Build skills through online courses, network beyond your workplace, and consult financial advisors. Kalu’s resurgence in Sultana, now in its later seasons, shows reinvention is possible.
At 60-something, he’s not just surviving but thriving, blending journalism, acting, and comedy on social platforms.
Lolani Kalu’s TV comeback inspires a broader call to action for Kenyan workers. Don’t wait for retirement or redundancy notices; secure your future today. As Kalu puts it, “Life’s script changes, but you can always rewrite your role.” His Babu character dispenses wisdom on screen—perhaps the real lesson is off it, urging us all to plan wisely in an unpredictable world.