Veteran Journalist Who Impressed Ruto Shares Insights of His 30-Year Career at NMG

 World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (left) awarding Nation Media Group Sports journalist Elias Makori (right) in 2012
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (left) awarding Nation Media Group Sports journalist Elias Makori (right) in 2012
Elias Makori

Elias Makori, a veteran sports journalist, took a trip down memory lane reminiscing on his 30-year career at Nation Media Group (NMG).

In an essay, Makori noted that he joined NMG in 1993, then aged only 22 years, after his one-year stint at Standard Media Group.

His growth was so steady that in 2021, he attracted the attention of President William Ruto who sent him a personalised congratulatory message when he got appointed to the World Athletics Heritage Plaque Panel of Experts.

Ascreengran of NTV's 9pm news showing President William Ruto's congratulatory message to Elias Makori in 2021
Ascreengran of NTV's 9 pm news showing President William Ruto's congratulatory message to Elias Makori in 2021
Elias Makori

"I share in the belief and trust that World Athletics has shown in you. You have been outstanding in the sports arena and continue to inspire young journalists. Congratulations Makori," Ruto shared.

Makori took to social media on Saturday, January 28, to share the highlights of his career, leveling up the ranks from sports writer to sports editor at the legacy media outlet.

"Sports has made me tour 50 countries on all continents gathering lots of knowledge and experience in the process," Makori shared.

He went ahead to appreciate five editors-in-chief he served under including Tom Mshindi, Joe Odindo, Mutuma Mathiu, Wangethi Mwangi, and currently Joe Ageyo.

According to Makori, this is his last decade at NMG noting that he would pursue a career in mentorship after leaving the Kimathi Street-based media house.

"My three-year stint as the regional editor at the Nation Media Group’s Eldoret Bureau (2013-2016) also gave me an opportunity to briefly teach journalism classes at the Moi University’s School of Information Sciences, sharing my experiences, something I wish to focus on after my time to exit Nation Centre comes," he explained

In addition, Makori detailed that his proudest moment was in Barcelona in 2012 when he received the "World Journalist of the Year Award" from the current World Athletics President, Lord Sebastian Coe.

He was grateful to the media house and its staff for their continued support when he lost his parents.

Some of his memorable sports events include Eliud Kipchoge breaking the two-hour marathon record in Vienna in 2019, David Rudisha breaking the 800 metres world record in 2012, and witnessing Harambe Stars eliminate Algeria from the World Cup race in Algiers in 1996.

"Cheers to 30 years at Twin Towers! I look forward to bigger achievements in sport over the next decade with God's guidance and blessings," he concluded.

A young Elias Makori at the Nation Media Group (NMG) studios
A young Elias Makori at the Nation Media Group (NMG) studios
Elias Makori