Is this why news anchor Sophia Wanuna quit KTN?
Did the financial challenges at Standard Group force KTN news anchor Sophia Wanuna to quit?
Wanuna, a respected television journalist, is said to have taken a walk from the Mombasa-based media house after months of keeping a low profile.
Wanuna moved to KTN in 2011 after a relatively successful career at k24 TV.
Sources say she tendered her resignation at the start of April 2023 and is currently serving notice.
Besides anchoring prime-time news at KTN, the eloquent Wanuna also hosted KTN News political show Checkpoint on Sunday and was a lead reporter on The Big Story – current affairs show that aired 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm before it was shelved, making her arguably one of the best political reporters.
In July 2021, she was appointed the acting Broadcast Content Editor replacing Peter Opondo.
One of her notable milestones was moderating the 2022 Deputy Presidential debate between running mates; United Democratic Alliance’s Rigathi Gachagua (Deputy President) and Azimio’s Martha Karua, on July 19, 2022.
She also interviewed President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala in the height of the controversy surrounding Uganda first son Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s threat to invade Kenya.
In December 2022, Standard Group confirmed to staff members its plan to undertake far-reaching lay-offs, as the struggling media giant looked to stay afloat.
Staff at the media house including senior journalists had at the time not been paid for at least four months, indicating the company’s poor fiscal health.
The company which operates brands including KTN News, Radio Maisha, and The Standard newspaper even requested demoralized journalists to work from home in a bid to cut costs.
While addressing staff members at a meeting in December, Chief Executive Orlando Lyomu announced the company was left with no choice but to lay off staff. Using a sailors’ analogy.
“We have done everything we can. Unfortunately, with the state of play, if we don’t take action, this ship will sink.”
“During storms, the captains ask for all excesses to be thrówn overbóard to ensure the vessel can continue its voyage…” he continued.
Wanuna will not be the first senior journalist to quit in the last five months.
Others include Nairobian newspaper founding editor Ted Malanda who handed in his resignation letter in January 2023.
Quality Assurance editor and prolific columnist Clay Muganda and health editor Kamau Mutunga, as well as KTN’s Dau La Elimu show host Frank Otieno also quit the media house ahead of the restructuring.
So did Dr Mercy Korir, news anchor Sharon Momanyi and seasoned Foreign Affairs editor, Lilian Odera.
John Mwaura, a talented editor was also poached by NTV.
In February 2023, seasoned KTN journalist, Patrick Amimo, announced his exit from the Mombasa-road-based station.
He worked as a senior reporter and bureau Chief during his tenure.
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