Foreign Affairs Journalist Mwangi Maina's Next Move After Leaving Standard Group [EXCLUSIVE]

Diplomatic and foreign affairs journalist, Mwangi Maina, has found a new home merely two days after leaving the Standard Group Limited where he worked for the last six years.

Speaking exclusively to Viral Tea on Thursday, February 15, Maina, an award-winning journalist who focuses on Kenyan foreign policy and Africa, revealed that he joined the Eastleigh Voice.

Eastleigh Voice describes itself as a new information network, dedicated to delivering unbiased news, analysis, opinions, and event coverage with a fresh local perspective.

Maina disclosed that he joined the vibrant media platform to amplify the voices of the Eastleigh community.

Screengrab of the Eastleigh Voice newspaper. /EASTLEIGH VOICE

"Yes. Joined the vibrant Eastleigh Voice as a Foreign Affairs journalist to counterbalance mainstream narratives, offering an alternative perspective, and amplifying the voice of the Eastleigh community," Maina confirmed when queried by Viral Tea, which noticed his byline on its website covering diplomatic and foreign affairs news.

When asked what motivated him to join Eastleigh Voice, he praised the media house for telling stories of communities underrepresented by mainstream media houses and the freedom to accommodate young media professionals seeking to progress their careers.

"Career progression is very crucial. Eastleigh Voice amplifies the voices of communities often overlooked by mainstream media. It's a dynamic platform driven by the energy and innovation of young individuals," he added.

Viral Tea then sought his view on what motivated other stellar journalists to join the platform, some of whom have worked in mainstream media, and he responded with "Diversity!", as we wished him well in his new adventure.

Other than being a digital media platform, Eastleigh Voice has an ePaper published every week that visitors can access and read free of charge for members. The physical copy however goes for Ksh50.

"Championing the untold stories of Nairobi and its vibrant communities, our platform presents a mosaic of authentic narratives, in-depth analyses, and local experiences. Elevate your understanding with content that seamlessly bridges the pulse of the city to the broader regional tapestry," the website describes itself.

Maina at Standard Group produced daily shows on KTN News and worked in print and digital media desks for The Standard Media Group’s Newsroom.

He takes pride in being the pioneer of the show, the Diplomat, a series focusing on Diplomacy, Foreign Policy and African Great Lakes Region affairs.

Mwangi joined the station in 2018, as a news producer before rising through the ranks and hosting his show on the network.

Meanwhile, turbulent times have been hitting the Standard Group over the past couple of years, with seasoned journalists leaving the Mombasa Road-based media house to grow their media careers elsewhere.

On February 3, KTN News anchor Brenda Czeda Radido bid farewell to the Standard Group Limited after five years.

Standard Group also lost award-winning media personality Claudia Naisabwa, who left KTN having been a presenter for Str8Up Live every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm.

In January, Jimmy Mbogoh and Jasmine Wambui were poached by Citizen TV from Standard Group and have been reporting on business news on prime-time TV news bulletins every week.

These are among a series of exits that have raised eyebrows regarding the state of affairs at the media house, which in 2023 drew nationwide attention for financial woes culminating in the delaying of remittance of salaries to its staff.