Former Standard Group editor Kizito Namulanda, who served as Innovation and Content Editor for Broadcast Services, has narrated how he was fired from the media house while battling cancer.
In a statement dated Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Kizito said 2022 was the most challenging year of his life, as he was diagnosed with cancer of the voice box and later lost his job during treatment.
“In 2022, I faced a life-changing challenge: a diagnosis of cancer of the voice box. The journey was grueling, especially after my employment was terminated in a manner that made the struggle even harder,” he said.
He explained that although his job had been his financial lifeline during treatment, he drew strength from faith, family support, and determination to keep fighting.
Kizito Namulanda Recalls How He was Fired from Standard Group
According to Kizito, he was dismissed shortly after returning from India, where he had undergone major surgery, and then recovered in Nairobi. He said he was unaware of any retrenchment process in his department until a colleague called him to say he had received a termination notice.
“I was shocked, as I wasn’t aware of any retrenchment plans. Unknown to me, a similar letter had already been emailed to me. When I finally saw it, I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
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Kizito said he initially delayed collecting the letter, hoping the company would reconsider. However, Standard Group later emailed him the official termination notice, stating the decision would not be reversed.
“I was completely shaken and confused, but an inner voice urged me to prioritise what mattered most, my health. After receiving favourable medical results, I returned to Nairobi to plead my case, but the company stood firm,” he added.
Kizito Says He Is Still Waiting for Severance Payment
Kizito said Standard Group offered severance pay in 10 monthly installments rather than a lump sum.
He requested a faster payout due to his medical condition, but was told nothing would be discussed until he signed the termination letter. He was also warned that delaying the signature would result in him losing the first installment.
Desperate, he signed, but 14 months later, he says the company has still not settled the remaining severance.
He said he has written multiple emails explaining his financial struggles, but has not received a breakthrough, though he remains hopeful and prayerful.
Kizito Namulanda says his journey has taught him two powerful lessons: that God never forsakes those who put their trust in Him, and that when life presents many battles, one must choose carefully which ones to fight.
Although the path has been painfully difficult, he is grateful to have regained his health and is ready for a fresh start.
“The journey was and is still tough, but I thank God I am in good health now and ready to start afresh. Each morning, like a football striker emerging from a drought, I pray for that one chance to put the ball in the net and bring back the joyful moments,” Kizito said.
Profile of Kizito Namulanda
Kizito Namulanda is an experienced broadcast journalism manager, change leader, and digital media consultant.
He is known for driving innovative content strategies and leading digital transformation within newsrooms.
His career highlights include spearheading a major digital shift at Standard Group, introducing a news subscription model, modernizing workflows, and creating a converged digital newsroom.
Also Read: Standard Group Announces Board Changes as Three Directors Resign
He also played a key role in strengthening KTN as Kenya’s leading news channel, known for its bold investigative reporting, and helped launch Standard Group’s first radio station.
Kizito holds a Master’s Degree in Linguistics and African Languages from Kenyatta University.
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