Nation Media Group Managing Editor Quits After 17 Years As Mass Firing Looms
According to Mwinzi, his last working day will be June 14, 2024, after which he will start the formal process of exiting the company.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Nation Media Group (NMG) Managing Editor Bernard Mwinzi has announced his exit from the regional media house after 17 years, amidst NMG gearing up for another round of mass firings this week.
In a statement to colleagues dated June 10, 2024, Mwinzi announced that he and NMG agreed to "a cordial parting of ways".
According to Mwinzi, his last working day will be June 14, 2024, after which he will start the formal process of exiting the company.
Outgoing Nation Media Group Managing Editor, Bernard Mwinzi. /FACEBOOK
"As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my professional journey, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team has been an incredible experience, and I am immensely thankful for the support and belief you, and the management of NMG, have shown me throughout my time here," Mwinzi stated in part.
He expressed gratitude for being given the privilege of witnessing first-hand the passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence that his colleagues brought to the NMG newsroom on a daily basis.
He also praised his colleagues' commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and their unwavering integrity, even in times of great uncertainty and difficulty, something he termed "truly inspiring".
"Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and navigated the ever-evolving landscape of our industry with resilience and innovation.
"I am confident that as you continue on your newsroom transformation journey, and that as you evolve into a more agile and leaner operation, you will achieve remarkable milestones and set new standards for excellence. This company was built on the strong tradition of public-facing, people-oriented journalism, and both its character and posture have made it a strong pillar of our democracy. As it evolves, it can only get better," he added.
He thanked them for the camaraderie, the collaboration, and the countless moments of learn- ing and growth, adding "It has been an honour to be a part of this team, and I will carry the memories and lessons from this experience with me always."
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NMG admitted to also facing such challenges as a result of reduced earnings from traditional platforms, occasioned by the unprecedented disruptions.
“We must evolve into a leaner, and more agile company that will innovate at pace and drive the efficient delivery of services to our customers. This will, unfortunately, necessitate a workforce reduction, effective Friday, June 14, 2024,” NMG Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gitagama.
"This decision is incredibly difficult, and we understand the impact it will have on you and your families and the colleagues who will be left behind. However, I wish to assure you that the exercise will be carried out with utmost respect for those affected and in strict adherence to the Kenyan labour laws."
The media house did not reveal the names of the particular employees that would be axed, and neither did it disclose the departments the mass layoff would target.
This thus marks Mwinzi's exit the first major one to happen at NMG's newspaper division ahead of the retrenchment exercise.
