In recent years, Kenya has seen a shift in careers for some of its top journalists. Many have moved from the media industry to public service. This article takes a closer look at some of the top journalists who made the switch.
Hussein Mohamed, a veteran journalist, left Citizen TV a few years ago and became a private advisor before joining President William Ruto’s campaign team as the head of communications. After President Ruto’s win in August 9, 2022 and its upholding by the Supreme Court, Hussein was appointed as the State House Spokesperson, taking over from Kanze Dena.
Michael Gitonga, a veteran media personality and preacher, is now the Communication Director at the office of First Lady Rachel Ruto. He previously worked for Family Media, which owns Family TV and FamilyRadio316, where he was a popular news anchor and morning show host. He later joined Standard Media Group as a news anchor and host of the Morning Express show.
Salim Swaleh, the NTV Swahili managing editor and anchor, was appointed as the ICT, e-Government, and Public Communication chief officer at the Nakuru County government. Swaleh, who previously worked for Citizen TV before joining NTV in 2018, was one of 21 names forwarded to the county assembly for vetting.
Kanze Dena, a former KBC and Citizen TV anchor, was appointed as the State House Spokesperson by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017. Nicky Gitonga was appointed as the Director of Communications and spokesperson for the Kwale County Government after the end of former Governor Salim Mvurya’s reign. Richard Chacha, a former senior NTV reporter, was appointed as the county Director of Communications and public relations in 2015 by the first Mombasa Governor, Ali Hassan Joho.
Muriuki Mugo, a former Kameme FM reporter, was appointed to a prominent position in Kirinyaga County after the election of Governor Anne Waiguru in 2017. Carol Nderi, a former KTN reporter, was appointed as the county Head of Communications, leaving behind her distinguished journalism career. Franklin Wambugu, a former K24 journalist, was appointed as the chief officer responsible for Communications and Public Relations for Kiambu County in August 2020, after being laid off
