Media tycoon Dr. SK Macharia has unveiled strategic adjustments within Royal Media Services, signaling a proactive stance to uphold its dominant position in the market and prevent a mass exodus from the influential media conglomerate.
Under the umbrella of RMS media group, Citizen TV and its 14 radio stations, such as Radio Citizen, Inooro FM, and Ramogi FM, currently hold the top spot in Kenya's media industry. Dr. SK Macharia is now focused on preserving this leading position amidst competition from other media outlets.
Despite its 15-year reign in market leadership, the prominent media group has recently encountered a significant departure of key journalists, including figures like Francis Gachuri, Jane Goin, Hassan Mugambi, Charles Odhiambo, among others. Their transition to senior positions in national and county governments has triggered a crisis within the media group.
In the latest developments disclosed on Tuesday, Royal Media Services, under the guidance of the Group’s Editorial Director and Head of Strategy, Linus Kaikai, has undertaken a restructuring. The media giant has consolidated its sports news coverage across all platforms, establishing an all-encompassing sports section known as the RMS Sports Centre.
Young Muthomi, previously the Radio News Managing Editor, has been elevated to the position of Managing Editor, Radio News and Sports, overseeing the newly established RMS Sports Centre. In this capacity, Muthomi will manage both editorial and administrative duties.
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The RMS Sports Centre will now be the hub for sports news across TV, Radio, and Digital platforms, with dedicated editors and reporters collaborating under its umbrella.
In a parallel move, Isaac Swila has received a promotion and is now appointed as the Head of RMS Sports Centre, responsible for coordinating sports coverage requirements across all platforms.
“To further realize our objectives, it has become necessary to re-organize our operations and I am consequently delighted to announce the new changes,” stated Kaikai in the Memo to all the RMS staff.
In a series of significant developments, Alex Murungi, who has served as the Senior Creative Manager for an extended period, has been elevated to the position of Head of Creative Services.
The announcement of these changes were made by Latifah Ngunjiri, the Group Production Director, in a memo addressed to all Royal Media Services staff.
“We have full confidence that Alex will continue to inspire, motivate and guide the creative team to the highest standards of excellence.”
In the digital realm, Carol Wanyama, the Group’s Marketing Director, has announced the promotion of Ephy Mwangi to the role of Head of Digital. Additionally, Renee Syombua Makau has been elevated to the position of Group’s Brand Manager for events across all platforms.
Within the ICT department, Fred Afune, the Group’s Director of Radio, ICT, and Technical Services, has promoted Samuel Kibacia to the role of Head of ICT, overseeing responsibilities across RMS and its affiliates.
Furthermore, Chrispine Otewa has received a promotion to the position of Head of Digital Platforms, a role that spans across RMS and its affiliated entities.
These changes are effective immediately.
