On November 30, 2022, the Nation Media Group (NMG) CEO Mr Stephen Gitagama issued a redundancy notice that he termed as ‘unsettling’ but necessary in building the NMG of the future.
The media house, which runs Daily Nation, NTV, Taifa Leo, Business Daily, Nation FM and online publishers such as Nairobi News has been experiencing cash flow issues.
According to Gitagama the retrenchment which he termed a “reorganisation of the workforce” was the right direction for the media house, which is the biggest in the East African region.
“Regrettably, this refocus will result in a reorganisation of our workforce. This is an extremely difficult decision in view of the prevailing business environment. This exercise will be carried out with utmost dignity and in accordance with the Labour Laws of Kenya. We will strive to provide all the necessary support to help those affected to manage the transition,” Gitagama said.
“While these changes are maybe unsettling, I am confident that we are collectively moving in the right direction. I, therefore, call upon each one of us to embrace the changes and champion our mission as we build the NMG of the future. I look forward to your support in the days ahead,” he added.
Read: NMG Top Editor Joseph Warungu Pushed Out To Create Space For Joe Ageyo
It was least expected that the ‘reorganisation’ would phase out a number of journalists in the lower cadre, but as it would turn out, the ‘big boys’ were the first to be fished out.
On December 2, 2022, veteran journalist Mark Masai announced his exit from NTV after working for the media house for 14 years, becoming one of the senior journalists to announce his unceremonious exit from the media house.
Three days later, renowned investigative journalist Dennis Okari also announced his exit from NTV, promising to move on to “something bigger and greater than himself”.
“My assignment at NTV has come to an end. I’m grateful to god for the opportunity to serve. I gave it my all, but I couldn’t have done it without the help of an incredible team and an amazing audience. It’s time to move on to something bigger and greater than myself,” Okari wrote.
A number of other senior journalists have left NMG in the last few days, including Mr Churchill Otieno, who has been Head of News and Managing Editor. Mr Churchill previously worked as managing editor digital before being appointed head of development and learning.
Political and Parliamentary Affairs Editor Mr Guchu Ndung’u and Mr Peter Ngare, a long-serving managing editor for Taifa Leo, NMG’s Kiswahili publication also left the media house, but silently.
Taifa Leo Features Editor Muthoni Kariuki was also forced to exit as well as senior investigative reporter Vincent Achuka and news reporter Silas Apolo.
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