The Nairobian, a publication under the ownership of the Standard Media Group, has announced its closure in a recent statement.
Known for its coverage of gossip, entertainment, politics, and sports, the newspaper bid farewell to its readers as it prepared to transition from print to digital platforms.
“The Nairobian has had an amazing journey, dear readers, for the past couple of years. This relationship is snowballing to the end of the beginnings, as our final print editions hit the stand. We bid adieu to an era while embarking on an exciting new digital journey. Our transition to an online publication marks the dawn of a dynamic era in pop cultural journalism. Stay tuned as we bring you the pulse of pop culture like never before,” read the statement from The Nairobian.
The closure of The Nairobian comes amidst an ongoing crisis at the cash-strapped Standard Group.
The media house has been experiencing a significant talent drain, with competitors poaching its personnel.
Despite being home to strong brands like KTN News, KTN Home, Radio Maisha, Farmers TV, Burudani TV, Spice FM, and Vybez Radio, the company has faced financial challenges, making a profit only twice over the past decade.
With a workforce reduced to about 871 employees last year, the company struggled to meet financial obligations, including paying its journalists. The issue of delayed salaries has persisted, affecting both contract writers and permanent staff.
Despite these challenges, the media industry has remained largely silent on the matter, raising concerns about corporate governance within listed firms like the Standard Group.
