Radio Africa Group Reveals Patrick Quarcoo's Replacement
Kittony passed the communication during a farewell party for Quarcoo
Marvin Chege 
On Wednesday, July 24, Radio Africa Group (RAG) announced that Chief Operating Officer Martin Khafafa took over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the media house.
The announcement was made by Radio Africa Group Board of Trustees chair, Kiprono Kittony. Khafafa will take over from its founder, Patrick Quarcoo who officially stepped down from his capacity after 24 years.
In the announcement, Kittony added that there were no major changes in the company. "Martin Khafafa is now the new CEO beginning today and no other new changes in the management," he said.
Kittony passed the communication during a farewell party for Quarcoo and asked the staff to support Khafafa as he took over the position.
Radio Africa Group COO Martin Khafafa. /THE STAR
Senior executives, radio presenters, and other staff gathered to celebrate his 24 years of service. As Quarcoo exited his office, he was escorted by renowned radio presenter Maina Kageni.
The staff, holding cards adorned with Quarcoo's popular phrases, cheered him on. The emotional farewell included speeches and photo sessions as colleagues wished him a happy retirement.
During his tenure as the founder and CEO, Quarcoo oversaw the growth of RAG, famous for media brands such as Kiss FM, Radio Jambo, Classic 105, Smooth 105.5, The Star Newspaper, Mpasho, Homeboyz Radio, Gukena FM, and East FM.
Somoina Kimojino, General Manager of Homeboyz Radio and Group Events for Radio Africa, expressed her admiration for Quarcoo's leadership and her hopes for the future.
On his part, Quarcoo thanked the staff for their unwavering support and dedication, attributing the company's tremendous growth to their efforts.
"We have grown from a single-frequency radio station to a thriving group of six influential stations with over 40 transmitters across Kenya, with an expansion into Nigeria, a newspaper and a significant digital presence," he noted.
On June 26, Quarcoo termed the decision to leave the executive role as a tough one, but the necessary one for both him as a person and the company.
The media boss reminisced about starting Radio Africa in 2000 with a vision to create a platform that could inform, inspire, and connect people across Kenya and the continent.
Quarcoo noted that Radio Africa was entering a pivotal phase of its journey, a transition that provides a unique opportunity for the company to realign its strategies, focusing on cost efficiencies, and enhancing its profitability and content initiatives.
The official exit comes after RAG had announced possible staff firings to all correspondents, a move aimed at streamlining its operations to create a "leaner and efficient organization."
Though the exercise was set to target mainly correspondents, it was unclear if it would spread out across the board and affect its employees, who operate from its offices at Lions Place along Waiyaki Way.
Given that it is unclear how long the restructuring will last, it is expected that this will be handled by Khafafa in his first major action since assuming the role of CEO
