Communications, Community Engagement, Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor
Organization: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
From Campus Broadcaster to International Development Advisor
Leshan Waithira, a proud member of Chuka University Radio’s pioneering Cohort 1, has built an impressive career at the intersection of media and international cooperation. With nine years of industry experience, he currently serves as a Communications, Community Engagement, Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. In this role within the government and international cooperation sector, Leshan leads end-to-end communications and project management for multi-country climate and innovation initiatives, strengthening Africa–Europe collaboration among research, private sector, and investment stakeholders while ensuring results-based monitoring and delivery. His journey from campus radio to international development demonstrates how foundational communication skills can translate into impactful work on the global stage.
Chuka University Radio Experience
Leshan’s four years at Chuka University Radio provided the experiential foundation that would propel his career across continents. As a Presenter and News Anchor hosting Barikiwa and The Hang Out Show, he developed core competencies in news reporting, content development, storytelling, public speaking, and interviewing—skills that have proven invaluable throughout his professional journey. “Honestly without Chuka University Radio, I would have started my career after graduation from zero,” he reflects. “When graduating, I already had 4 years of experience in communication and media, which I believe have shaped my career in what some would call a short period of time.” With nine years of industry experience, Leshan has led communications for multi-country climate and innovation initiatives, strengthening Africa-Europe collaboration among research, private sector, and investment stakeholders. His work ensuring results-based monitoring and delivery for GIZ represents the culmination of a journey that began in the studios of CUR, where the practical skills and confidence that would define his career were first nurtured. “I would not change a single thing from my experience in CUR,” he affirms.
Message to Chuka University Media students
“Give it all you got. I can assure you, it will be worth it!
