This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, The Standard Group announced the appointment of Kipkoech Tanui as Executive Editor and Head of News and Convergence, a new role that places him as the second in command at the media house.
Tanui, a veteran in the media industry, has served the Group in various editorial leadership positions since joining in 2001. He has held roles such as Managing Editor, Weekend Editions, Daily Editions, and The Counties, as well as Group Managing Editor for the Standard titles.
As Executive Editor and Head of News and Convergence, Tanui will oversee the merging of the Group's various outlets, including print, television, radio, and online platforms. This move is vital in the face of the digital revolution that is disrupting the media sector both locally and globally.
Tanui is also a prolific opinion writer and is well known for his weekly column in the Friday Standard.
His appointment comes after the Group's new Editor-in-Chief, Ochieng Rapuro, issued a memo banning out-of-office trips at the invitation of news sources or their agents. The memo also requires that any company or individual inviting a Standard journalist must send the invitation to the news editor, section editor, or managing editor before they can attend the function or event.
Additionally, the memo prohibits journalists from accepting gifts from news sources in cash or any other form, in line with the media house's policy. Any such gifts brought to the newsroom will be collected in a pool and administered by administration assistants for ultimate contribution to needy persons or children's homes.
