Veteran Sports journalist Elias Makori has left the Nation Media Group (NMG) after a stint of over three decades at the media company.
Makori announced his exit on Wednesday, June 13, noting that his 32-year journey at NMG was coming to an end.
In his message to colleagues, the long-serving sports journalist revealed that he had taken the decision in stride while also thanking the company for the opportunity to work for it.
“Whatever has a beginning certainly has an end. The time has come for NMG and I to part (formal) company with deep, mutual gratitude. From Friday, June 14, I will be making my exit from Nation Centre.
I’m extremely proud and humbled to have given my 32 years of dedicated, uninterrupted, unequivocal service to this great organization,” read part of the message.
Makori further committed to mentoring young journalists through his experience.
“I will remain indebted to NMG for shaping my professional career and will certainly be happy to share my experience and offer mentorship at NMG – which will always remain my home – and beyond,” he said.
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He further urged his former colleagues to “stay strong and remain hopeful” even in the face of adversity.
His encouraging message came as the NMG is currently going through one the thickest moments in its history, with looming mass layoffs.
Makori in his message left the colleagues with a Bible verse from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 which implores that there’s a time for everything under the sun.
Elias Makori at NMG
According to his profile, his passion for sports and his leadership skills have seen him hold various company, national, continental and global positions.
Makori has been serving as Lead Editor for Sports and Integration Projects at the Kimathi-Street based company.
He rose through the ranks on the sports desk from junior reporter in 1992 to Reporter, Sports Editor and later Managing Editor.
During his career at NMG, he saw through a stint from 2013 to 2016 as Regional Editor in charge of the North Rift Region and based in Eldoret.
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Makori’s crowning moment was in 2012 when he was named the World Journalist of the Year in Barcelona, Spain, by the IAAF.
The accolade granted by the current World Athletics President Sebastian Coe saw him become the first and only African journalist to win the award.
During his stay at NMG, Elias has also been named Africa Media Personality of the Year in 2019, Kenyan Sports Journalist of the Year for three times, and Africa Boxing Journalist of the year in 2023, among other accolades.
Accolades
Makori has served for eight years as a Member of the Press Commission at the International Association of Athletics Federations and a member of Media Operations Advisory Group at World Athletics.
He has also been involved in organization of several global sports events and is among a panel that came up with the concept paper for Kenya’s successful bid to host the 2017 IAAF World Youth Championships.
During his stint at NMG, he covered various international sports event including the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021
Additionally, the veteran journalist served for 12 years as a Member of the World Athletics Press Commission.
He is currently a member of World Athletics’ Heritage committee besides other international media engagements.
Makori leaves NMG being among the longest serving member of the Editorial team and marked 30 years anniversary working for Nation back in 2022.
The veteran sports journalist is among top editors who are leaving as the media house restructures its operations.
His exit follows that of another editor Bernard Mwinzi.
Their exit comes at a time NMG has announced that it will be laying off members of its staff as part of a workforce reduction due to the rapid changes in the journalism world.
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