Nation Sports Editor Elias Makori Quits After 32 Years

Veteran sports journalist, Elias Makori, has announced his exit from the Nation Media Group (NMG) after a delightful spell of 32 years.

In his detailed message to colleagues and seen by Viral Tea, Makori who had worked for NMG for more than three decades, announced that the decision to part ways was mutually agreed upon and he felt that he had to address the matter before rumours spread across the Internet.

He attributed his long spell to God's will and blessings. Makori has been serving as Lead Editor for Sports and Integration Projects, having risen through the ranks on the sports desk from junior reporter in 1992 to Reporter, Sports Editor and later Managing Editor.

"Dear colleagues, it’s my honour and pleasure to let you know, with great humility, that NMG and I have agreed to disengage formally, and I will be taking early retirement this week from Nation Centre where I’ve been serving as Lead Editor (Sports and Integration Projects). I didn’t want you to read it in the blogs before I let you know personally, hence my humble message," he stated in part.

Outgoing Nation Media Group’s Managing Editor Sports, Elias Makori is assisted in cutting a cake by NMG Head of HR Jane Muiruri to celebrate his 30 years of service at Nation Media Group on March 10, 2023. /NMG

"It has been a great ride and an enriching experience, and I thank the Almighty God for allowing me to serve for 32 great years at NMG."

Makori, considered a legend in Kenyan sports journalism, added that he had seen the exciting field grow over the years and earn respect in the newsroom, and his appointment as the first Sports Managing Editor going to show the strides sports journalism has walked.

He also appreciated members at the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), saying "There is still a lot of ground to cover. I thank you all at SJAK for your friendship and support."

"I will remain a loyal SJAK member and with free time in my hands before I take up my next assignment, I will be happy to offer support and mentorship if, when and where needed."

Makori expressed his eagerness to join the sports journalists group, but at a later time, adding that he would take some time off his role to unwind and follow key sporting events on the horizon.

In his parting shot, he urged his fellow members of the Fourth Estate to take up new skills to cope with the demands of the changing media environment, with the term 'digital' prevalent in several media conversations.

"If there is space on the SJAK technical bench, I’m available as a free agent! But for now, I wish to take my eagerly awaited holidays, watch the Euros and Olympics and then generally take whatever good life will throw my way.

"God bless you all and keep pushing sports journalism higher and higher. Times are extremely difficult for legacy media globally so arm yourselves with the requisite skills to navigate the turbulence," he added.

Elias Makori Story

Makori, who leaves as the longest-serving member of the Editorial team, marked his 30th anniversary working for Nation in March 2023, in a companywide ceremony where he was decorated by management and colleagues. 

He is among a few journalists who have been loyal to the media giant, working for over three decades uninterrupted, including a stint from 2013 to 2016 as Regional Editor in charge of the North Rift Region and based in Eldoret.

It was during his tenure at the Eldoret Regional Office that he moved the bureau from its small office at Zion Mall to the current location at Daima Towers (Moi University Pension Scheme Building), and led the construction of modern NTV television studios at the bureau.

Makori's foray into NMG goes as far back as December 1992 when he finally got his appointment letter as a reporter with nostalgia. It was the height of the YK92 (Youth for KANU, an outfit that campaigned for the election of President Daniel Moi in the first multiparty elections) and a time when Nation Media Group was moving its operations from Old Nation House to the imposing Nation Centre, known in the newsroom as the Twin Towers.

His crowning moment was in 2012 when he was named World Journalist of the Year in Barcelona, Spain, by World Athletics President Seb Coe (at the time Vice President of the global athletics body). In a way, this moment – that marked World Athletics’ 100-year anniversary – summarised his career at NMG: from rookie reporter to best journalist in the world.

During his stay at NMG, Makori was also named Kenyan Sports Journalist of the Year three times, Africa Media Personality of the Year in 2019 and Africa Boxing Journalist of the Year last year, among other accolades.

Elias Makori in a past conversation with President William Ruto. /BUSINESS TODAY

He also served for 12 years as a Member of the World Athletics Press Commission and is currently a member of the World Athletics’ Heritage Committee besides other international media engagements.

More Exits

Makori's exit comes a day after Managing Editor Bernard Mwinzi announced his exit from NMG after 17 years, coming after the media house announced its intention to undertake another round of mass layoffs.

Reports indicate that an estimated 180 employees are targeted for the axe, with the editorial section set to be the most affected as journalists form the bulk of the company’s payroll.

More of the staffers are expected to get their exit letters between now and Friday, July 14, 2024.