NMG journalists Macharia Gaitho, Steve Otieno honoured
Veteran Journalist Macharia Gaitho (third left) cuts a cake with NMG staff at Nation Center on October 31, 2024. Gaitho is flanked by NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo (second left) and Head of Human Resources Jane Muiruri (left).
What you need to know:
- NMG Editor-in-Chief, Joe Ageyo, said Mr Gaitho’s dedication to independent journalism has earned him respect.
- NMG Head of Human Resources, Jane Muiruri praised Mr Gaitho for mentoring young journalists.
The Nation Media Group (NMG) on Thursday celebrated veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho, who recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad).
Mr Gaitho, a columnist and former editor at NMG, was recognised for his dedication to journalism and role in shaping media in the region.
The award was presented at a gala in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Mr Gaitho is known for incisive commentary on political, social, and economic issues.
Despite retiring from a permanent role at NMG, Mr Gaitho continues to engage with the media house.
“Journalists never retire. You may leave NMG or another outlet, but somewhere, you will still be practising your craft. Journalism lives in the journalists,” he said at Nation Centre yesterday.
NMG Editor-in-Chief, Joe Ageyo, said Mr Gaitho’s dedication to independent journalism has earned him respect.
“Mash (as he is popularly known) embodies outstanding independent journalism. The fact that he has remained relevant in the digital age speaks volumes about his impact,” Mr Ageyo said.
“Mash has shown that the digital space is just another platform for quality content. The high standards expected of us remain unchanged in the digital realm. His stories and columns rank among the most-read. It is a testament to the power of quality journalism, something we must celebrate.”
NMG Head of Human Resources, Jane Muiruri praised Mr Gaitho for mentoring young journalists.
“Mash no longer holds a permanent role here, but his relationship with NMG is unwavering,” Ms Muiruri said.
“Even if your role in the organisation shifts, it doesn’t mean you cease to be part of our community. Journalists may leave, but they never really say goodbye.”
Nation Media Group reporter Steve Otieno (left) receives the Outstanding Crime Reporter of the Year Award from Deputy Commandant National Police Service Leadership Academy Dr David Kabera Muthondeki (centre) and Protective and Safety Association of Kenya Chairman Enock Makanga in Nairobi on October 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, NMG multimedia reporter Steve Otieno was awarded for his contribution to crime reporting during the Nairobi Security Expo on Thursday.
The recognition highlights Mr Otieno’s dedication to covering the complex and often risky crime beat, shining light on security challenges that affect communities, the organisers of the expo said.
The reporter, who described the award as a pleasant surprise, credited his success to teamwork and support from the NMG Newsdesk.
“I’m grateful to my editors and colleagues for their guidance. This award is a testament to the commitment of the entire team to impactful journalism,” he said.
Protective and Safety Association of Kenya Chairman, Enock Makanga, stressed the importance of recognising crime and security journalists.
“Crime reporters are often in high-stakes situations, dealing with traumatic stories that can endanger their lives,” he said.
The award, inaugurated last year, first went to Hassan Mugambi, then a crime and investigations reporter at Citizen TV.
