Radio broadcaster Willy Nkya has returned to Mount Kilimanjaro nine years after his first ascent, this time combining the demanding climb with the challenge of reporting and filing content from the mountain.
Nkya, who first climbed Africa’s highest mountain in 2017 shortly after completing college, said his latest expedition was different because of his experience, physical preparation and ability to understand and manage the challenges associated with high altitude.
However, he said the biggest difference between his two climbs was access to communication.
During the latest expedition, Nkya was required to record and transmit videos, photographs, audio clips and updates for radio programmes and social media while making his way to Uhuru Peak.
He said Yas’s network allowed him to remain connected in several areas along the route, enabling him to perform his work while also communicating with family and friends.
“Unlike in 2017, when communication was a major challenge, this time things were different. I was able to send videos, pictures and audio and communicate with people close to me without major difficulties,” Nkya said.
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a simple undertaking. At some point, you feel as though you are in another world. The availability of the Yas network in many of the areas we passed helped me continue with my professional responsibilities,” he added.
Nkya eventually reached Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 metres above sea level, the highest point in Africa.
He said the experience offered a striking contrast with his first climb, particularly in the way improved connectivity had changed how people could work and communicate in remote and challenging environments.
“For me, this is what a quality network means—a network that enables you to continue doing what you want even when you are undertaking a challenging journey. I climbed with Yas to Uhuru Peak and remained connected to the world,” he said.
Beyond the professional assignment, Nkya said reaching the summit carried a personal meaning, describing it as a reminder that people face different challenges and have their own goals to pursue.
“Each of us has a summit we are climbing in life. For me, this time, that summit was Uhuru Peak,” he said.