Nation Media Group (NMG) has reshuffled its high-ranking editors after back-to-back resignations of its top journalists.
In an internal memo sent to all editorial staff dated Friday, October 29, NMG's Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu explained that the changes were aimed at re-invigorate print products, support digital transformation and fill existing vacancies.
In the changes, Allan Olingo Ogunah, who serves as the Regional Editor for Mombasa, was promoted to be the News Editor for The East African while Paul Wafula was named the News Editor, Business Daily from his current position as Daily Nation’s Business Editor.
Allan Odhiambo Akombo was transferred to the Daily Nation as Business Editor from serving as a Section Editor at the Business Daily while John Wanjiku Njoroge was promoted to serve as a Senior Sub Editor for Health and Science from her current role as a Sub Editor at the Daily Nation.
Kennedy Kimanthi Nyaga, on the other hand, who serves as the Regional Editor of Nyeri was moved to replace Allan Olingo at the Mombasa Bureau.
The changes come after months of resignations at the Kimathi Street-based media house. The resignations mostly affect Business Daily which is said to be relying on correspondents to put out a copy.
Some of the journalists who have left the giant media house include Annie Njanja, Edwin Okoth, Doreen Wainaina, Patrick Alushula, James Kariuki and Salton Njau.
A highly placed source told Kenyans.co.ke that some of the senior journalists who resigned were willing to continue at NMG even after receiving offers from other organisations. However, the management declined to match the offers given by the other employers leaving them with no choice but to seek greener pastures.
Sources aware of the matter also indicated that staff is worried of deliberate attempts by senior managers to weaken and later close the Business Daily.
Annie Njanja left the media house in the last two weeks and is said to have secured a position at TechCrunch, a publication covering the tech world.
Patrick Alushula quit in mid-October after securing a position at the Standard.
Doreen Wainaina left the twin towers for a position at Africa Check while Edwin Okoth has reportedly secured a position at a local NGO.
