Kenya’s leading media house, the Nation Media Group (NMG), has embarked on a sweeping restructuring effort that extends far beyond staff adjustments. Sources indicate that the company, facing persistent financial pressures, has begun shutting down several of its regional offices as part of a cost-cutting strategy.
The first affected location is the coastal region, where NMG has announced the closure of its Mombasa bureau effective March this year. Employees, including journalists, marketing staff, and support personnel, have reportedly been notified of the impending shutdown. “We are shocked by this decision,” said one staff member who requested anonymity. “There’s no clear explanation, and we’re left uncertain about the future.”
With no alternative arrangements provided, affected staff are expected to work remotely starting 1st March, coinciding with the company vacating its Mombasa office. “All NMG assets will be collected by a lorry on 2nd March,” the employee added.
Financial Pressures and Strategic Shifts
NMG, historically a dominant force in both print and electronic media, has struggled with declining revenues in recent years. For the first half of 2025 (ending June 30), the company reported a post-tax loss ranging from KSh41.7 million to KSh56.3 million. While this still reflects a deficit, it is an 85.9% improvement compared to a KSh345.8 million loss recorded during the same period in 2024.
Despite management changes, including the appointment of CEO Geoffrey Odundo, NMG has continued to face shrinking advertising income as digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok draw audiences away from traditional media.
Insiders indicate that more regional bureaus, including Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Eldoret, could face closure in the coming months. The move signals further potential staff reductions as NMG seeks to stabilize its operations amid an evolving media landscape.