Amid the uncertainties facing the media industry in the wake of digital disruption, journalists continued to look for greener pastures in 2023.
While some quit newsroom jobs for government or corporate communications roles, some journalists crossed the Kenyan border to continue with their careers in international media in international media.
Waihiga Mwaura
Former Citizen TV news anchor Waihiga Mwaura was among the notable journalists to leave the local industry for international media.
In May, the renowned journalist ended his 14-year journey at the Royal Media Services.
In a statement, BBC Arica announced that Mwaura would be the new presenter of a show named Focus on Africa.
On his part, Mwaura expressed his delight in joining the company and vowed to deliver towards helping shows audience understand the African continent.
“I am very pleased to be joining the BBC at a time when Focus on Africa will be anchored from the African continent for the first time,” Mwaura announced.
“I believe ‘bringing the show home’ will magnify the show’s impact by drawing in new audiences and helping our global viewers better understand this diverse continent.
Kelvin Kimathi
Also, among journalists who left their positions in local media is sports journalist Kelvin Kimathi.
After his earlier move to resign from K24, Kimathi in a statement on October 2 announced that he had joined BBC Africa’s sports department.
“I am delighted to announce that I have joined the BBC,” said Kimathi in a statement on his social media.
Ahmed Bahajj
In addition, former TV47 presenter Ahmed Bahajj, left his position at the Cape Media-owned station to join the BBC as well.
Also Read: K24 Anchor Poached by BBC
Coming months after joining Tv47 from KTN, Bahajj announced that he was joining BBC Swahili as a Swahili broadcast journalist.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter,” he stated.
Journalists who joined government jobs
In the same year, some media personalities like Francis Gachuri left their mainstream media roles to join the civil service.
Also Read: BBC Raids TV47, Poaches Reporter and Anchor
It was an emotional moment for Gachuri who after spending more than 10 years at Citizen TV, had to say goodbye to his colleagues.
The former senior political reporter who rose through the ranks to become an editor joined the Ministry of Interior as Director of Communication.
Also, in the list of journalists who left the newsroom for corporate communications job was former KTN news anchor and editor, Sophia Wanuna.
Wanuna joined the Judicial Service Commission as the Deputy Director and Head of Directorate of Public Affairs and Corporate Communication.