Just weeks after making a number of changes in the composition of its board, the Nation Media Group (NMG) has turned its sights on editorial leadership, moving senior editors from the head office in Kenya to subsidiaries in Uganda and Tanzania.
In the latest changes announced by NMG Managing Director & CEO Nation Media Group, Mr Geoffrey Odundo, on 16th Sept. 2026, Editor-in-Chief, Dr Joe Ageyo, has been moved to NMG Uganda in the same capacity, while Washington Gikunju, who was managing editor publishing, Kenya, has been redeployed to NMG Uganda as Acting Managing Editor. James Smart, who has been serving as managing editor in charge of broadcast and new media, has been appointed Acting Managing Editor, Broadcast and New Media, Mwananchi Communications Limited, NMG’s subsidiary in Tanzania.
NMG management said the changes follow a review of the group’s “editorial structure and evolving business requirements across the region.” The surprise changes in NMG’s top editorial suites are being seen as part of wide-ranging reforms lined up at the region’s leading media house as Tanzanian tycoon Rostam Aziz, who bought Nation Media Company in March, begins to exert his influence.
Insiders say sweeping changes, especially in the top leadership across departments, are expected in the coming weeks. For Joe Ageyo and Washington Gikunju, the NMG Uganda assignment could be a soft-landing. “Looking at it, salaries could have informed these changes,” said someone familiar with NMG operations and strategy. “But fresh blood might have been the overriding factor.”
Meanwhile, the latest changes opened room for a reboot at NMG in Kenya, where Harry Misiko has been appointed Acting Editor-in-Chief, Kenya. He previously worked as managing editor in charge of content and strategy. Dann Mwangi, currently Lead Editor for Broadcast, has taken over from James Smart Acting Managing Editor, Broadcast and New Media
John Kiplagat, currently serving as head of production, is now Acting Managing Editor, Publishing, taking over from Gikunju, while Justus Wanga has been given the role of Acting Lead Editor, Weekend Edition, a promotion from his current role of Editor in charge of politics.
Ben Kitili, who is Video Hub editor, replaces Dann Mwangi as Acting Lead Editor, Broadcasting. Michael Omondi, business hub editor, becomes Acting Lead Editor, Business Daily, while Alex Ndegwa, lead Editor, Daily Nation, takes up the role of Editor, Content Hub. Michael Owuor replaces him as the Acting Lead Editor, Daily Nation.
“We congratulate all our colleagues and ask everyone to accord them the necessary support as they transition into their respective roles,” Mr Odundo said.
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