Seven former Switch TV news anchors and reporters have secured jobs at Citizen TV and K24 TV after the media house ceased on-air broadcast.
Kenyans.co.ke exclusively learnt that six of the journalists now form part of the K24 TV newsroom, while former Switch TV features producer and editor, Safi Godana, joined Citizen TV as a reporter.
Those who joined K24 TV are Joel Chacha, Harriet Chimea, Marriam Mjahid and David Kagina, among others.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, all the journalists praised their new work stations noting that it was a positive career growth for them.
Chacha, who served as a news anchor at Switch TV, was hired on March 1 as a news anchor and doubles as a political reporter.
"Because of convergence, I will take up the anchor/political reporter position at K24 TV. I am in the best place because this is my thing. This is a serious media house and it has a serious treatment of stories," stated Chacha, noting that induction of the new team members was ongoing.
Chimea was also hired as a news anchor and will double as a news reporter. She reported to the station on Monday, March 14. She worked as a reporter and producer at Switch TV.
"This space is diverse and we are working with the people who are more experienced. This brings dynamics that are outstanding," she explained.
Kagina, who also joined the Mediamax-owned TV station as a news anchor and reporter, reported on March 1. Lemayan, on the other hand, joined the media house as a reporter, a role similar to the one he held at Switch TV.
"I have taken the same position but for human interest stories and politics. I really like the place and I am hopeful for the best," stated Lemayan.
Mujibu Kitsao, who was the latest former Switch TV anchor to ink a deal with K24 TV, officially joined on Thursday, March 17, where he will serve as an editor, producer and reporter.
At Citizen TV, Safi was hired as a bi-lingual reporter. She started as a reporter at Switch TV in 2018 and rose up the ranks to the positions of Features Editor and doubled as a producer.
"This the most popular media house and it is a very good thing for my career growth because I started here in 2014 while I was doing my internship. I am just back home. I am glad that others (her former colleagues) have gotten opportunities elsewhere, I am really happy for them," stated Safi.
She also worked at NTV between May 2016 to June 2018.
It is estimated that 60 per cent of journalists who left Switch TV when it ceased on-air broadcast in December 2021 have received other job offers.
Fredrick Muitiriri, who served as a Swahili news anchor at the station was promoted to head Kiswahili desk at TV47. He will also double as a news anchor and crime reporter.
Others who found opportunities include former Switch TV sports show host Cedric Oronje who joined AFC Leopards and has been recalled for an online show at the station. Daniel Anunda joined Radio 316 as a show host.
Switch TV made a radical change to focus on its digital content production. In a statement, the station noted that it had made the switch as per market demands.
