Standard Media Editor Resigns in a Huff

The Standard Media Group Mombasa Road Offices . Thursday, October 14, 2019.
The Standard Media Group Mombasa Road Offices . Thursday, October 14, 2019
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke

Renown Standard Digital Editor Patel Okumu has parted ways with his employer, Kenyans.co.ke has learned. 

According to multiple sources who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, Okumu resigned in a huff, leaving the company's WhatsApp group without offering any explanation or bidding colleagues goodbye.

The journalist who was at the media house for more than 7 years declined to speak on the matter when reached for comment but confirmed that he was no longer with the company.

"I don't want to speak on the matter right now," Okumu stated.

Patel Okumu
Former Standard Media Group editor Patel Okumu
File

In his long-serving career, Okumu had risen to become the Current Affairs Editor at the Standard Digital Desk, where he doubled as a supervisor owing to his experience. 

Okumu has in the past been vocal on media trends and practices, especially in the age of digital disruption. 

"Laying off staff in the name of convergence is because of harsh economic times. Otherwise, the model requires more hand on deck.

“Journalists need to ensure that they acquire skills they need to report on all platforms," Okumu once stated during a past Media Council of Kenya forum. 

In the same breath, Standard Media Kakamega Bureau Chief John Atambo has been transferred to Nairobi. Atambo served as the Bureau Chief for slightly over two years. Sources told our desk that he had been moved to Nairobi as a senior writer.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Atambo who also worked for People Daily, explained that his transfer was part of the company’s move to restructure the newsroom. 

In 2020 alone, hundreds of journalists, among them Pulse Sub-Editor Peter Ndoria, have left the media house. 

In the same year, Standard’s rival Nation Media Group was forced to fire over 100 employees as it sought to adopt a new business strategy focusing on monetizing digital content.

The Nation Centre building in Nairobi's Kimathi Street where the Nation Media Group offices are located. Monday, October 21, 2019
The Nation Centre building located at Kimathi Street, Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
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