Ex-KTN News Anchor Michael Oyier Who Worked As Psychologist Dies

Former KTN News anchor Michael Oyier died this afternoon on Saturday, April 20, throwing the Kenyan media industry into grief.

His family confirmed that Oyier died at around 2.30 pm while receiving treatment at a Nairobi Hospital. 

However, there were no clear details regarding the exact illness he was suffering from before his demise.

The seasoned journalist worked as an anchor and presenter at Standard Group where he joined in 2002 and served for nine years before exiting in 2012.

The late former KTN News anchor, Michael Oyier. /FACEBOOK

While at Standard Group, he also joined the editorial department where he wrote several pieces while similarly working as a new anchor.

Oyier was a multi-faceted professional with extensive experience across executive coaching, leadership development, broadcast media, public speaking, and counselling psychology.

With over half a decade of experience, he worked with a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations like Novartis and APM Terminals to Kenyan companies that include a local bank and a telco, as well as small and medium enterprises.

As an executive leadership coach and group/team coach, Oyier helped leaders and teams locally and internationally grow in effectiveness.

He played a key role in developing coaching in Kenya, working as an associate coach with a leading local coach training school and offering talks on coaching skills for leaders.

In broadcast media, he spent 20 years as a versatile leader, leading editorial and on-air teams at leading radio and television stations.

He was known for his calm and persuasive speaking style and served as a public speaker, moderator, master of ceremony, facilitator, voice-over artist, singer, and actor for clients that included the World Bank.

Oyier boasted of a background in counselling psychology, including a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Management, a field he practised from 2007 until his death.

He also holds a certificate in Manager Programme from the Strathmore Business School and a certificate in Executive Leadership coaching from the Coach Development Institute Africa.

Through his company, Serenity Group Limited, he helped individuals, couples, families, groups, and teams in organizations overcome various challenges, including bereavement, marital discord, workplace relationships, stress, anxiety, and depression.

He also collaborated closely with medical doctors at institutions such as Mathare Mental Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital.

Overall, Oyier’s diverse skill set and extensive experience made him a valuable asset for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking growth, development, effective communication, and mental health support.

"This is devastating. I have been undertaking some consultancy work with Michael for the last three months. It's unbelievable that this soft-spoken man is no more. Rest easy," Nation Media journalist James Smart mourned the deceased, among prominent media personalities to react to Oyier's death.

Former KTN journalist Michael Oyier (centre and with spectacles) during the 5th Annual Talent Summit on November 2021. /MICHAEL OYIER