The media industry was shaped by many challengesnthis year; from the dwindling revenue streams to the increased brutality against journalists, mass layoffs, industrial strikes and digital disruption.
In this piece, we will focus on the big industry names that quit the media. Several journalists transitioned from Kenyan newsrooms to explore opportunities in other fields or the diaspora.
Some opted for government or corporate communications positions, to explore the broader communication confines.
Others ventured beyond Kenya, joining international organizations to broaden their professional horizons.
Jane Chemutai Goin
Outgoing Citizen TV journalist Chemutai Goin.
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Chemutai Goin
The talented bilingual reporter joined Citizen TV on November 21, 2018, and left the media station in February this year. Goin began her journalism career at Standard Group’s KTN TV where she honed her reporting skills.
Chemutai currently serves at the office of the Speaker of the National Moses Wetangula as a communication officer.
Hassan Mugambi
Citizen TV anchor Hassan Mugambi at the RMS studios on November 17, 2023.
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Hassan Mugambi
Mugambi joined Royal Media Services in 2015 after serving as a news anchor at K24, which is owned by Mediamax Network Limited. He anchored news shows including Sema na Citizen alongside Lulu Hassan on Fridays.
Mugambi also served as a senior crime and investigative journalist. He joined the Ministry of Defence under the then Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as a communication officer.
Mercy Juma Okanda
A collage of outgoing BBC journalist Mercy Juma Okanda. PHOTO/@mercyjuma
Award-winning journalist Mercy Juma Okanda left the BBC after a successful six-year stint.
In one of her most notable assignments in 2024, she covered the state of affairs in Sudan amid a conflict that saw more than 15,000 pass away while millions of others were forced to flee their homes.
Despite the potential dangers, Juma went to the heart of Sudan to give the world an in-depth view of the devastating effects of the conflict.
Mohamed Mahmud
The former Citizen TV news reporter Mohamed Mahmud left the media after having landed a new job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Mahmud shared the news in a statement on Wednesday, October 16, signaling excitement about his transition.
However, the year 2024, did not see many journalists quit their jobs for other roles as compared to the previous year 2023, where many of them joined the government after the elections.