NMG Addresses Women Representation Concerns After Regional Editorial Shake-Up

Nation Media Group (NMG) has acknowledged concerns over women’s representation in its editorial leadership following a series of changes announced across its newsrooms in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“The current conversation has therefore brought the gap within our editorial leadership into sharper focus and gives us reason to reflect on how we strengthen representation at this level,” Odundo said in a statement issued on Friday, September 18.

Responding to the public conversation around the appointments, NMG Group Managing Director and CEO Geoffrey Odundo said the concerns had prompted the company to examine representation within its editorial leadership.

NMG said women account for 36 percent of its overall workforce and 33 percent of its newsroom, while making up 42 percent of its Executive Committee and 41 percent of Heads of Department. The company said its representation target stands at 40 percent.

Figures released by the media group show that women’s representation has exceeded that target within both its Executive Committee and Heads of Department, although newsroom representation remains below the benchmark.

NMG Sets Out Path for More Women in Senior Roles

Odundo said women had played an important role in shaping NMG’s journalism, with their perspectives, expertise and experiences contributing to its newsrooms over the years.

“We welcome the constructive engagement this conversation has generated and remain committed to creating pathways for more women to progress into senior editorial roles,” he said.

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NMG added that increasing women’s representation, particularly in leadership and decision-making, would strengthen its journalism and help its newsrooms better reflect audiences and communities served across the region.

The company also said it remained committed to building newsrooms that bring together different perspectives while strengthening the quality and impact of its journalism.

Editorial Changes Across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

The statement came after NMG announced a regional realignment of its editorial leadership, citing a review of its editorial structure and evolving business requirements across East Africa.

In Kenya, Harry Misiko was named Acting Editor-in-Chief, while Dann Mwangi became Acting Managing Editor, Broadcast and New Media. John Kiplagat was appointed Acting Managing Editor, Publishing, with Justus Wanga taking the Acting Lead Editor, Weekend Edition role.

Michael Owuor was named Acting Lead Editor, Daily Nation; Ben Kitili, Acting Lead Editor, Broadcasting; and Michael Omondi, Acting Lead Editor, Business Daily. Alex Ndegwa was appointed Editor, Content Hub.

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In Uganda, Dr Joe Ageyo became Editor-in-Chief while Washington Gikunju was appointed Acting Managing Editor. Tanzania saw James Smart take the role of Acting Managing Editor, Broadcast and New Media, at Mwananchi Communications Limited.

NMG said the changes followed a review of its editorial structure and evolving business requirements across the region.

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Nation Media Group Headquarters. PHOTO/NMG