Today at 6am, the airwaves of Kiss 100 FM crackled with a bittersweet energy as Sheila Kwamboka, popularly known as Kwambox, hosted her final breakfast show, marking the end of a 13-year radio career that had made her a household name in Kenya. The Morning Kiss, one of Kenya’s most beloved breakfast programs, saw Kwambox sign off alongside her co-host Kerry Martin, who also announced his departure from the station on the same day. The joint exit of the two presenters sent ripples through the Kenyan media landscape, leaving fans reflective and the industry poised for change.
Kwambox’s journey in radio began in 2012, but her rise to prominence truly took off when she joined Kiss 100 FM in January 2023, replacing Kamene Goro on The Morning Kiss. Known for her vibrant personality, sharp wit, and infectious energy, she quickly became a fan favorite, often captivating listeners with her candid takes and lively banter. Over the past two years at Kiss 100, alongside various co-hosts like Oga Obinna, Chito Ndhlovu, and finally Kerry Martin, she helped maintain the show’s status as a morning staple for many Kenyans. But yesterday, Kwambox took to social media to announce her departure, stating,
For 13 years, radio has been my identity! It’s time for change! Tomorrow, I will host my last show.
The news, coupled with Martin’s exit, sparked widespread reactions from fans and industry peers alike.
The final show was a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and raw emotion. Broadcasting live from the Kiss 100 studios in Nairobi, Kwambox and Martin kicked off the morning with their signature chemistry, playing a mix of Kenyan hits and engaging listeners with lighthearted segments. However, the undertone of the show was unmistakably reflective. Kwambox shared anecdotes from her career, including her early days at Vybez Radio and her stint on Big Brother Africa in 2008, where she first gained public attention. She also touched on her lesser-known achievements, like winning Miss Tourism Kenya in 2005, a testament to her multifaceted career before radio became her calling.
Midway through the show, the mood shifted as Kwambox addressed her listeners directly. She spoke about the challenges and triumphs of her 13-year journey, emphasizing the role her audience played in her growth.
You’ve been with me through every laugh, every controversy, every dance move
she said, her voice thick with emotion. She referenced past controversies, including a 2024 incident where she faced backlash for comments perceived as insensitive during a promotional video, which Kiss 100 later deleted amid public outcry. Reflecting on the moment, Kwambox acknowledged her growth, stating,
I’ve learned, I’ve apologized, and I’ve become better because of you all.
Kerry Martin, who joined Kiss 100 in 2024 after a stint at Homeboyz Radio, also shared his gratitude, noting that his 11-year radio career had been “nothing short of a blessing.” The duo took calls from listeners, many of whom expressed their sadness at the departure but also their excitement for what’s next for the two presenters. One caller, a longtime fan from Eldoret, tearfully thanked Kwambox for being a voice of joy during tough mornings, a sentiment echoed across social media, where fans posted tributes using hashtags like #ThankYouKwambox and #Kiss100Farewell.
The show wasn’t without its lighter moments. Kwambox, known for her dance moves, led a final on-air dance segment, grooving to a Nigerian Afrobeats track—a nod to her unapologetic love for the genre despite past controversies. The studio erupted in laughter as Martin jokingly struggled to keep up, a moment that captured the camaraderie that had endeared the pair to listeners. They also played a montage of their best moments on The Morning Kiss, including interviews with Kenyan artists and hilarious debates that had defined their tenure.
As the clock neared 10, the show drew to a close. Kwambox’s final words were a heartfelt message to her fans:
This isn’t goodbye; it’s a see-you-soon. I’m stepping into a new chapter, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
While she didn’t reveal her next move, her announcement the previous day hinted at exploring new avenues beyond radio, leaving fans speculating about a possible shift to television or digital content creation—spaces where her charisma and experience could thrive. Martin, too, remained cryptic about his future but expressed excitement for what lies ahead.
The departure of Kwambox and Martin marks a significant shift for Kiss 100 FM, which has seen a revolving door of presenters in recent years, from Kamene Goro and Oga Obinna to Chito Ndhlovu. The station has yet to announce their replacements, but the bar is high for whoever steps into the void left by two of Kenya’s most dynamic voices. For now, Sheila Kwamboka’s last show on Kiss 100 stands as a testament to her impact on Kenyan radio—a legacy of laughter, resilience, and an unwavering connection with her audience. As she steps into the unknown, one thing is certain: Kwambox’s voice will continue to resonate, wherever her journey takes her next.

