Veteran journalist Mutuma Mathiu named NMG editorial director

Nation Media Group has appointed Mutuma Mathiu as the Group Editorial Director effective 1st January, 2019.

In this new role, Mutuma will be responsible for oversight of the Group’s editorial policy including enforcement of ethics, integrity, editorial policy and the Group’s core values; content sharing across markets; joint products for the regional/continental market and talent development and skills transfer.

In addition to the above, Mutuma will be responsible for the editorial operations across all NMG platforms in Kenya, NMG CEO Stephen Gitagama said in a statement to staff.

Mutuma takes up the new position from his current role of Executive Editor having served in various positions within the Group since July 1997 when he first joined as a sub-editor/writer for the Sunday Nation.

Other positions he has held in the Group include Group Managing Editor, Managing Editor – Daily Nation, Managing Editor – Sunday Nation, Group Managing Editor at Mwananchi Communications Limited and Revise Editor for the Daily Nation.

Mutuma holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Egerton University, a Post- Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, and a Master of Arts (MA) degree from the University of Leeds, UK.

The creation of the new role effectively means the position of Editor-in-Chief, which was held by Tom Mshindi has been abolished. Mshindi left the twin towers on December 31, 2018 after the board parted ways with him after his leadership was questioned by NMG veterans.

By going for an entrenched insider, the NMG management appears to be keen on maintaining continuity at East Africa’s largest media house and avoiding recycling old talent.

NMG staffers describe him as an independent-minded and hands on journalist who will stop at nothing to deliver quality journalism.

Mutuma’s appointment opens the window for a succession battle at Daily Nation. Pamela Makotsi, Kariuki Waihenya and Ng’ang’a Mbugua are the few senior editors at NMG after others were pushed out through retrenchments and sacking.

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It could also be a blessing for former Weekend Executive Editor Eric Obino, who was recommended for sacking but is yet to leave NMG. It is understood that Obino and management are yet to agree on an exit package.