Another Nation Editor Lands Big Job at Standard

Standard Group has appointed Bernard Mwinzi as the Managing Editor, Daily Editions.

He is currently the Head of Production for Daily Nation, Saturday Nation and Sunday Nation and also serves as the Acting Executive Editor and ME, Daily Nation.

Mwinzi, who joined Nation Media Group (NMG) as a sub-editor in 2007, has previously served in various roles such as  Health and Science Editor for print, TV and digital, Associate Editor, Daily Nation as well as Assignments Editor.

He is a holder of a Bachelor of Science (Communication and Journalism) degree and a Master of Science degree in Communication and Media Studies from Moi University.

His appointment has left the fate of long-serving Group Managing Editor, Daily Editions Kipkoech Tanui unclear.

Tanui, who also doubled as Deputy Editorial Director during the tenure of Joseph Odindo, was among those who were touted to replace him at the helm. However, the Standard Board in June settled for Ochieng Rapuro, then the East African Managing Editor, as Editor-in-chief.

Rapuro previously worked at Standard as Business Editor before leaving in 2006 to join Business Daily, which he later took over from founding editor Nick Wachira.

His return to the Standard marked a shift of power as the Editorial Director role was abolished thus whittling down Tanui’s influence.

Editorial succession planning

Also, as Business Editor, Rapuro worked under him and media watchers believe these factors could have informed the latest turn of events.

When he was named as deputy editorial director in December 2015, Odindo had said the move was meant to not only enhance the overall leadership of the Group but also as part of editorial succession planning.

While the Standard management has not revealed whether he is exiting the media house, analysts say it is likely he could be retained in another role given his experience and wide range of sources especially in the political world.

Tanui, a veteran in the media industry, has served the Group in various editorial leadership positions since joining the Group in 2001 from NMG, including as Managing Editor, Weekend Editions, Daily Editions and The Counties; and also as Group Managing Editor for the Standard titles.

He is a prolific opinion writer and is well known for his weekly column in the Friday Standard.