The media industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of digital disruption and economic pressures with some of the journalists looking for greener pastures.
In 2024, several journalists transitioned from Kenyan newsrooms to explore opportunities in other fields or in the diaspora.
Some opted for government or corporate communications positions, leveraging their expertise in storytelling and public relations.
Others ventured beyond Kenya, joining international media organizations to broaden their professional horizons.
Journalists Looking for Greener Pastures
Victoria Rubadiri
Former Citizen TV news anchor Victoria Rubadiri was among the notable journalists to leave the local industry for international media.
Rubadiri joined CNN International for a new role on its long-running multiplatform series Connecting Africa and as part of the network’s newsgathering operation in Nairobi.
Rubadiri expressed joy on assuming her new role at CNN International.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to work at CNN and to bring my experience and passion to its global audience. Connecting Africa champions, the people, projects and companies revolutionising African business and I’m looking forward to working alongside Eleni and the team to get out on the ground and tell these stories.”
Rubadiri joined RMS in 2018 and has since then worked as a news Anchor. Throughout her stint at Citizen TV, she co-anchored popular primetime news broadcast Sunday Live on Citizen TV with veteran media star Jeff Koinange.
In addition, she anchored the Citizen Weekend primetime news bulletin on Saturdays.
Mohamed Mahmud
Former Citizen TV news reporter and Switch TV editor Mohamed Mahmud landed a new role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Mohamed Mahmud shared the news in a statement on Wednesday, October 16, where he expressed his pleasure on his appointment.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia,” the journalist revealed.
Also Read: Ex-KTN Anchor Lands New Job at US-Based TV Station
Brenda Kerubo
Former KTN News anchor and award-winning journalistBrenda Kerubo has secured a new position at the US-based TV station, Bloomberg.
Kerubo made the announcement on her official LinkedIn page, stating that she will be taking on the role of a Desk Producer at Bloomberg Television.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as a Desk Producer at Bloomberg Television, covering Europe’s financial markets, companies, and economics news,” she wrote.
Njambi wa Njau
Popular journalist Njambi wa Njau left the Royal Media Services (RMS), where she held the position of a presenter at Inooro TV.
Njambi wa Njau in a statement revealed that she left the station for greener pastures to the United States of America (US) where she is set to work with another media station.
However, she remained tight-lipped on the nature of her new job.
“Life is about leaving what you think you love and trying new things. It’s about coming to a closure of the things that make you think you are ok and yet you are not,” she said in a post.
“My tenure at Inooro TV has come to an end but I thank God for the new blessing. Diaspora people, let us meet on your screens.”
Also Read: List of Journalists & Politicians Facing the Axe at Deputy President’s Office
Journalists who joined government jobs
In the same year, some media personalities left their mainstream media roles to join the civil service.
Renowned political reporter Chemutai Goin left Citizen TV after a long stint at the Royal Media Services-owned station.
Goin landed a new job as the principal media relations officer at the office of the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
At the same time, veteran investigative and political reporter, Hassan Mugambi, had his way out for a fresh start.
Hassan Mugambi currently serves as the communication advisor in the Ministry of Defense.
He replaced the long-serving Director of Communications at the ministry Bogita Ongeri who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
Former KTN News anchor and Dau La Elimu show host Frank Otieno, popularly known as Mwalimu landed a government job, a few years after leaving the Standard Group.
Otieno joined the Open University of Kenya (OUK) as the Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer in Public Relations.
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