This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On August 30, 2019, Nation Media Group management announced a series of promotions that have put the leadership of the newspapers firmly in the hands of younger journalists. However, the changes have been criticized for being gender-biased, as all eight promotions feature only one female editor.
The appointments, made by Mutuma Mathiu, the Group Editorial Director, are seen as a strategy to counter the growing wave of talent exits from Nation Centre by rewarding top performers with senior positions and better pay.
Over the past decade, Nation Media Group has watched helplessly as top talent left for greener pastures or became disgruntled by low pay or slow career progression. The changes aim to strengthen products, accelerate digital transformation, and fill existing vacancies, said Mutuma Mathiu, who was appointed to the position in January 2019.
Media analysts, however, see the appointments fueling internal feuds, as those who feel left out are likely to protest and become candidates for a quick exit at the slightest chance of an opportunity.
Among the key appointments is Churchill Otieno, who has been given the additional docket of New Content, and Bernard Mwinzi, who has been elevated to Managing Editor, Weekend Editions and in charge of the Health Desk. Mwinzi's appointment has effectively earned him a lifeline to stay at the Nation Centre, sending Standard Editor-in-Chief Ochieng Rapuro back to the drawing board.
Washington Gikunju, who has been an assistant editor for Business Daily, now becomes Managing Editor of weekly The East African newspaper and Head of Africa and International Desks. Gikunju has also been on the hit list of Standard Group.
Meanwhile, Michael Omondi has been hoisted to the position of Assistant Editor, Business Daily, stepping into Gikunju's shoes to deputise Ng'ang'a Mbugua. Previously, he was section head for economy and politics, which will now be managed by George Omondi.
Other key appointments include Jackson Mutinda, who has been moved from The East African newspaper and made Assistant Editor for the Saturday Nation, and John Kiplagat, who is now Assistant Editor, Daily Nation, and Head of Production.
