Colleagues pay tribute to Anne Shambi

A person’s legacy in life is not only measured in the years one lived but also in the life that one put in the years they lived.

For Anne Kamunge Shambi, who passed on August 20, her life and legacy can be measured in the impact she left in her circle of family, friends and colleagues.

She will be remembered as a team leader who fought for her team and one who went out of her way to meet — and often exceed — her targets.

An unmistakable person at DSM Place, her last employment post where she served as Head of Direct Sales, she stood out even among visitors on account of her greying hair and angular frame and her quiet strength as she went about her business.

Anne, who will be laid to rest tomorrow, joined Mediamax Network Ltd on June 10 2019 as Head of Agency – Sales before she moved on to become Head of Direct Sales until her demise on Monday.
“May your soul rest in peace and May God comfort your family,” one of her colleagues at K-24 eulogised her, echoing words written by many in the organisation who had worked with her.

In the beginning, Anne represented a Mediamax client when she worked for Unilever, the consumer goods manufacturer, where she worked as a Communications Channel Manager for East and Southern Africa. Part of her role at Unilever involved executing brand communication and channel strategies in various markets.

She was also responsible for the management of the media value chain, evaluating and managing the company’s relationship with the media and digital agencies. She was also in charge of the firm’s communication budget.

From Unilever, Anne — Shiru or Gaga to friends — worked at Starcom where she served as a Senoir Media Director, managing a team of planners and buyers while setting and monitoring their financial targets.

Positivity

About four years ago, she joined Mediamax’s radio section of the company’s broadcasting department.
“She grew radio immensely, always surpassing her targets and she was a mentor to many,” said the company’s Group CEO, Ken Ngaruiya, who will be leading the team of managers and staff during a memorial service to be held in Anne’s honour at the Ridgeways Baptist Church from 2pm today.

At work and in her social roles, Anne was a leader. And at Mediamax, she managed teams from diverse backgrounds and always delivered.

“Anne was not only a dedicated and hardworking colleague but also a warm and kind-hearted person. She brought positivity and a sense of camaraderie to our workplace,” Ngaruiya said in his tribute. “She lightened the mood and made it a better working environment for everyone.”

Her colleagues will remember her as an integral part of the organisation, a dedicated team leader who has left a lasting impact on her colleagues and teammates. Her professionalism, passion and willingness to help others served as an inspiration to those who interacted with her at work.

“She had a way of uplifting spirits and making challenging situations feel manageable. May Anne’s soul Rest In Peace, and may you find comfort in the cherished moments and memories you shared,” Ngaruiya said.

Winnie Njoroge, one of her colleagues from the Human Resource department, remembered Anne as a person who was easy to work with.

“I always felt comfortable interacting with you. You were so selfless and put others before you. Your life counted,” Winnie said.

Sylvester Okumu, another of her colleagues, eulogised Anne as a humble calm and collected colleague.
“She was always focused even when there were challenges,” he said.

MC Tricky, also from the radio department said: “Anne had a cool persona. She was a gentle soul with a warm heart.”

Anne’s final journey will begin tomorrow morning at the Montezuma Funeral Home, Mbagathi Way in Nairobi. Family and friends will bid her farewell at her family home in Kangocho, Nyeri county, from 11am.