Top NMG editor to retire in July

Nairobi. The Nation Media Group’s Editorial Director, Mr Joseph Odindo, will retire next month after more than two decades of journalism leadership at the biggest media house in East Africa.

As Editorial Director, Mr Odindo has been in charge of NMG’s journalism across print, digital and broadcast platforms in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

He assumed the position in 2008, replacing Mr Wangethi Mwangi, whom he had worked as Group Managing Editor for six years, and has spent most of his 37 years in journalism with the Nation Media Group.

NMG Chief Executive Linus Gitahi said Wednesday that Mr Odindo has been a pillar of journalism in Kenya and across the region.

“Joe has been a dedicated servant of Nation Media Group and has played a key role in expanding our vision of telling Africa’s stories.

“We are sad to see him go and he will be greatly missed. He has built a strong foundation on which we shall continue to build our journalism,” Mr Gitahi said.

Mr Odindo addressed NMG journalists about his impending departure on Tuesday.

“We have seen journalism and the media technology change drastically in Kenya and elsewhere in the region. I am privileged to have been at the centre of it and to have helped shape the profession and the industry,” he said. Mr Odindo has steered NMG’s journalism through turbulent political waters, overseen the on-going transition to digital journalism and was at the helm when the Daily Nation uncovered the Anglo Leasing corruption scandal.

He started off as a trainee reporter in 1978. He rose to become chief sub-editor of the Daily Nation and set up The East African newspaper.

Mr Odindo leaves office on July 1.“It has been hectic year after year and I feel I need a change. Journalism must defend its position. “Now more than ever, newspapers must push the frontiers of innovation,” he said.

Mr Odindo plans to pursue academic interests and practice in new lines of media. His successor will be named later.