Popular writer and editor Ted Malanda is the latest top talent to ditch the cash-strapped Standard Media Group after amassing 11 years.
Sources privy to the matter shared with Kenyans.co.ke Malanda's final message to his colleagues where he lauded the company for the great experience in his tenure.
According to the journalist; he expected to stay for a year or two at the Mombasa Road-based firm, but ended up amassing 11 years.
"Gang, my journey at SG has ended. I came to the newsroom believing I would only stay for a year, maybe two, and yet it's been an incredible 11 years.
"I leave firm in the belief that journalism and journalists matter and that good journalism changes lives. Thank you for your friendship, and for the countless lessons I picked from many of you. You have, as always, my best wishes," read Malanda's farewell message to colleagues.
The source also affirmed that redundancy letters had already been issued to various journalists. Text messages from the company's WhatsApp groups revealed journalists offering words of advice to the fired scribes.
"If you are affected, please do not be shocked or think of committing suicide. Because from personal experience, it is never a death sentence. When a door is closed, several windows are usually open for you to make an escape. Wishing you all the best, those who will leave and those who will stay," read part of the message.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Malanda worked as a columnist at the Standard Newspaper from 2003 before becoming an associate editor, at Standard Group in 2013.
Prior to joining media, Malanda worked as a communications and campaigns officer for International Fund for Animal Welfare.
He also worked as a communications officer at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) from June 1997 to November 2005.
The witty writer, and a force behind The Nairobian, a weekly publication by the Standard Group, is a trained teacher, having taught for four years.
In the past few months, the mass exits at Standard Media Group paint a dire picture of the state of affairs at the company.
Kenyans.co.ke further understands that the company has already folded a number of regional customer care desks, as the mass firing beckons.
An insider told this writer that the redundancy axe had already claimed receptionists - a clear signal that no department would be spared in the company's efforts to trim its payroll.
Recently, seasoned journalist, Frank Otieno resigned from the Media House after amassing 15 years. Other journalists who tendered their resignations include Mercy Korir, news anchor Sharon Momanyi and seasoned Foreign Affairs editor, Lilian Odera.
Meanwhile, Nation Media Group appears to be the biggest beneficiary of the financial woes facing the late President Daniel Moi-owned company.
NTV, Nation.Africa and Business Daily have been on a poaching spree, plucking top journalists and leaving its competitor limping.
