Mwangi Maina, a long-time KTN News journalist at the Standard Media Group has called it quits, months after confronting the company’s management.
In a message to his colleagues, Mwangi bid farewell to everyone at the Standard Group and expressed his gratitude for the days they worked together.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, the journalist who is also known as commentator on foreign policy and geopolitics confirmed his exit from the Mombasa Road-based media giant.
He went on to state the past six years had been filled with interesting experiences gained throughout his stint at the Standard Group.
Amid the financial challenges and uncertainties facing the company, Mwangi expressed his optimism that it will eventually regain its stability and position as leading media organization.
“The past six years have been filled with interesting experiences, and I depart with optimism that SG will regain its stability and position,” Mwangi Maina told TKT in a phone conversation.
When asked about his next move, the journalist said his focus will shift towards advancing his career in journalism and pursuing his interest in foreign affairs.
However, he did not reveal his next destination but assured that he would do so at an appropriate date.
“Career advancement is a top priority for me, especially considering my youth, and foreign affairs will continue to be integral to my future endeavors. I will reveal my next steps at the appropriate time,” Mwangi said in the conversation.
Mwangi’s career at the Standard Group
Mwangi, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication from Mount Kenya University started his career in 2018 when he joined the Standard Group as TV news producer.
At the time, Mwangi would help in roles including generating ideas for TV bulletins and organizing different shows.
He would later ascend to the position of a regional and diplomatic affairs reporter at the Standard- a position he held until his exit.
Besides his pieces published in both print and television, Mwangi’s profile on social media has grown over the years, establishing himself as a source for information on latest diplomatic developments and commentary on topics in that space.
He was the brains behind ‘The Diplomat”, a TV series that focused on diplomacy, foreign policy, and Africa Great Lakes Region.
Also Read: Standard Group Crisis Deepens as Former Employees File for Insolvency
But when challenges struck, Mwangi like many other employees was among those affected by financial constraints facing the company.
In December 2023, the journalist confronted the Standard Group‘s management for what he called failure to respond to issues affecting the company’s employees and operations.
In the message shared in the company’s internal channels, Mwangi also criticized his colleagues for remaining silent despite indicators that the company was in a sinking trajectory.
At the time, Mwangi also questioned the decisions made by the Standard Group’s management noting that they were part of the reasons the company fell into a financial crisis.
“We all agree that we are here to make insanely great products that inform the audiences and enrich their lives. I think we must organize internally for change and speak about working conditions. We must ask the right questions,” Mwangi said in the internal communications channel.
Standard Group’s woes plagues operations
The story of Standard Group’s woes needs no introduction in the Kenya’s media landscape.
Also Read: Standard Group Issues Statement After Staff Complaints
Despite its reputation as the pioneer of mass media in Kenya, the company has intermittently hit headlines with stories of mass layoffs, restructuring and at times lamentations from disgruntled employees.
Employees have complained of going for months without pay and shortcomings which end up affecting delivery in their roles.
On its part, the management has been adamant that its restructuring plan will pay off and eventually calm the current storm.
In a statement in November 2023, Standard Group attributed the financial woes to the challenges in the business environment and unpaid revenue by the government for its past advertisements.
“The Standard Group PLC has stayed focused on its product innovation and diversification.
agenda aimed at driving revenue generation and ensuring business profitability,” the statement read in part.
The uncertainty at the media house has pushed out top talent, with the opposition turning it into a poaching ground.
Mwangi’s exit came less than two weeks after Brenda Czeda Radio quit the station. The Standard Group owns The Standard Newspaper, KTN News, KTN Home, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio, Burudani TV and Farmers TV.
