Nation Media Group (NMG), East and Central Africa’s largest independent media company, is embarking on a significant restructuring initiative that will pare down its workforce as it navigates the rapidly evolving media landscape, the company announced on Friday.
In a press release, NMG said the downsizing is a “regrettable” but necessary step as part of its ongoing transformation agenda to create a “leaner, more agile organization” capable of efficiently delivering services and innovating swiftly to capitalize on digital opportunities across the continent.
“The media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation: Changes in audience consumption habits, technology, and other macro-economic factors have disrupted business models across the world,” the company stated. “While the industry has faced challenges, we are appraised of the digital content creation and consumption opportunity that exists not only in Kenya but across the continent.”
The workforce reduction will be conducted “with utmost respect to our employees and in adherence to Kenyan labour laws,” NMG said, adding that it is “cognisant of the impact it will have on lives and livelihoods” and will provide support to affected staff.
“This decision is incredibly difficult,” the statement read, but did not specify the number of jobs to be cut.
The announcement underscores the immense pressures facing traditional media companies globally as consumer habits shift toward digital platforms. Despite boasting a robust multi-platform presence spanning print, broadcast, and online outlets across four East African nations, NMG is not immune to these disruptive forces.
“We are evolving into a leaner, more agile organization that will drive the efficient delivery of services to our audiences and innovate rapidly to reap the benefits of the digital economy,” the company said.
Founded in 1959 by His Highness the Aga Khan, NMG publishes leading newspaper titles like Kenya’s Daily Nation and Business Daily, The EastAfrican regional paper, Uganda’s Daily Monitor, and Tanzania’s Mwananchi and The Citizen. Its broadcast assets include NTV stations in Kenya and Uganda as well as radio properties.
