NTV anchor quits to join presidential PR team

Nation Television (NTV), it seems, is not out of the woods yet. Just when it thought it had finished dusting itself after the bruising talent hemorrhage between January and August, another news anchor has rocked the boat again.

The broadcasting arm of Nation Media Group (NMG) has lost prominent business news anchor Laban Cliff Onserio, who has quit to join government, shaking the business desk which recently lost Hudheifa Aden to BBC.

He anchors the daily business bulletin on NTV writes for the Business Daily Newspaper and serving his last month at Nation Centre.

Onserio, who had become a key plank on the desk, is joining the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) at Office of the President after working for five years at NTV. “I’m excited about our fresh blood and all brilliant ideas they have, remember to stay sharp, stay focused eyes on the prize,” he said in his goodbye letter to colleagues at NTV.

As deputy director of communications, Onserio will form part of the pioneer team expected to establish a vibrant communications department at the PDU.

The Presidential Delivery Unit was created by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015 to spear head implementation of key projects seen to form his legacy. The unit is headed by Dr Steve Ndele backed by private sector heavy weights.

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The Presidential Delivery Unit was modelled on a team assembled in London by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair which served between 2002 and 2010. It was the focal point for decision-making and policy implementation under Mr Blair and Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mr Blair’s African Governance Institute was drafted in to offer advice and offer capacity support to the unit.

With Uhuru serving his last term, it will critical for the unit to deliver and communicate the presidential achievements to solidify his legacy.

In 2015, Onsiero was named the best TV business news reporter by Media Council of Kenya.

Onserio will thus be part of a key communications team that stretches to State House, where Manoah Esipisu was edged out to pave way for Kanze Dena as Spokesperson and head of the President’s Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU).

With a commanding baritone, Onsiero is a 2016 Wincott fellow from the Reuters Institute for the study of journalism at the University of Oxford. He has trained with the Bloomberg media initiative for Africa. During his stint on TV, he has moderated and interviewed business leaders in the World Economic Forum, United Nations Trade Talks and Tokyo Development Global Events.

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In 2015, Onserio was named the best TV business news reporter by Media Council of Kenya. My passion is in telling Africa’s growth story and my work mantra is to ‘Tell it fast, accurately and impassively,” Onserio, who hold a BA degree in business administration from Strathmore University, told Business Today.

Onserio joined NTV in October 2013 from CNBC Africa where he was a reporter and researcher. The NTV business desk, now under Zeynab Wandati, has been left with Alex Mwangi and Dann Mwangi. The team is expected to grow as NTV has been conducting interviews to recruit two more reporters.

Below is his letter to staff

My Good People, 

It is my final month at Nation Media Group, after a sterling five-year career which started in September 2013 and ends on 21st September 2018. This is a message to thank each and every one of you for your support throughout this period. I started out as a rookie in business and what we have achieved so far is by no means a replica of how we began. 

Throughout NTV Business, East African Voices and Top In Business these are all milestones that will greatly remain etched in my heart. For any friendly fire in the line of duty – my apologies.

NMG is greater than any of us and I’m excited for what is ahead for everyone in this company. Our potential is in drawing our synergies together for the good of all of us housed in the twin towers.

LABAN TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND CAREER

2018 will definitely be one to remember as I mark exactly 5 years in media, launch my motorsport career as a rally driver and as I marry the love of my life, Laura. I thank God for the gift of health in my 30 years on earth and pray for more – InshAllah.

I’d like to wish you all the very best in your careers, family, social and spiritual life. May your job enrich you and make you a better person in and out of work as it did to me. I’m excited about our fresh blood and all brilliant ideas they have, remember to stay sharp, stay focused eyes on the prize.

I’m exiting but I know we will meet in these streets.

For now, Goodbye and God Bless.

Regards,

Laban Cliff