Nation Media Group (NMG) has addressed concerns over the lack of women in its latest editorial appointments, acknowledging a gap in female representation in senior editorial roles.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Friday, September 18, Group Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Odundo said NMG plans to increase female representation in senior editorial positions.

"NMG takes note of the public conversation following the recent changes to our editorial leadership across East Africa, including concerns regarding the representation of women," he stated.

“We recognise the concern and the important role women have played in shaping NMG's journalism over the years,” Odundo added.

📌 What You Need to Know

The clarification came a day after the company announced a series of editorial leadership changes in its newsrooms in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with the appointments mainly involving men.

The changes saw Group Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo appointed Editor-in-Chief of NMG Uganda, while Washington Gikunju was named Acting Managing Editor, NMG Uganda.

Harry Misiko was appointed Acting Editor-in-Chief (Kenya), Dann Mwangi Acting Managing Editor for Broadcast and New Media, John Kiplagat Acting Managing Editor for Publishing, and Ben Kitili Acting Lead Editor for Broadcasting.

At the same time, Justus Wanga was appointed to oversee the Weekend Edition, while Michael Owuor became Acting Lead Editor for the Daily Nation, with Michael Omondi appointed Acting Lead Editor of the Business Daily.

In Tanzania, James Smart was appointed Acting Managing Editor for Broadcast and New Media at Mwananchi Communications Limited.

The appointments triggered questions from members of the public over the criteria used in selecting the new editorial leaders, particularly the lack of women among those appointed to the senior positions.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke