Citizen TV Reporter Nicky Gitonga Offered Job in Govt

A section of Citizen TV anchors
A section of Citizen TV anchors
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Citizen TV

Citizen TV reporter, Nicky Gitonga, was appointed as the Director of Communications and spokesperson for the Kwale County Government. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Gitonga affirmed the new role, noting that he was subjected to an intensive selection process. The position, he said, fell vacant after Salim Mvurya's administration left office. 

He exuded confidence that his new role would accord him an opportunity to serve the county residents. 

"Yes, it's true. The work of a director of communications is on a contractual basis for a five-year term. So, with a new county government comes new leadership. I saw the position and applied, through God's grace I made it through," he stated. 

Citizen TV reporter, Nicky Gitonga interviews a section of Kwale County residents on May 21, 2021.
Citizen TV reporter, Nicky Gitonga interviews a section of Kwale County residents on May 21, 2021.
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The journalist will be responsible for managing and directing the county's internal and external communications, supervising public relations staff, creating communication strategies, and will also serve as the key spokesperson and media contact for the devolved unit.

Gitonga, who worked at Citizen TV for eight years as a news correspondent in Kwale County, will begin his role in a month's time after serving notice at the Royal Media Services (RMS).

Governor Fatuma Achani became the first female Coastal governor after clinching 59,674 votes edging out her closest competitor, ODM's Hamadi Boga who got 53, 972. 

Gitonga becomes the latest journalist to leave the media space for county government jobs. In August 2020, K24 TV's Franklin Wambugu was appointed as the chief officer in charge of communications and public relations in Kiambu. 

Former NTV journalist, Richard Chacha, also served as Mombasa's Director of Communications under former Governor Hassan Joho. 

Others include KTN's Carol Nderi who left the station to work in the Nyeri County government and Ebru TV's Victor Wetende who landed a spokesperson role in Vihiga County.  

The media landscape is likely to experience shocks of talent poaching, as new governors headhunt communication experts.

President William Ruto is also set to name his press team, whose members are likely to be current or former journalists.

An image of Citizen TV news anchor, Nicky Gitonga delivering updates and analysis.
An image of Citizen TV news anchor, Nicky Gitonga delivering updates and analysis.
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