The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has raised concerns over what it describes as a gender imbalance in Nation Media Group’s (NMG) new editorial leadership structure, warning that the issue reflects the broader underrepresentation of women in senior media positions.
In a statement issued on September 17, 2026, AMWIK acknowledged NMG’s longstanding role in shaping journalism in East Africa and providing opportunities for women journalists. However, the association said the media house’s latest editorial realignment had highlighted gaps in women’s representation in key decision-making positions.
AMWIK said that while it recognises the need for NMG to restructure in response to a rapidly evolving digital media environment, the composition of its leadership matters because of the organisation’s influence within the East African media industry.
The association argued that gender balance in editorial leadership has implications beyond newsroom staffing, as editors and senior managers influence which stories receive prominence, whose voices are heard and how issues affecting women and children are represented.
Citing industry data, AMWIK said women account for only 22 to 23 per cent of news sources and subjects in African media and are quoted as subject-matter experts only 21 per cent of the time.
In Kenya, the association said women constitute about 40 per cent of the media workforce but occupy only 3.7 per cent of Managing Editor positions and 2.8 per cent of media ownership positions.
AMWIK also highlighted what it described as a retention challenge within the industry, saying many women leave newsrooms around the age of 35, while only 7.5 per cent remain in the profession beyond the age of 45.
The association maintained that the leadership gap should not be attributed to a lack of qualified women, pointing to capacity-building, mentorship and professional development programmes run by AMWIK and its partners to prepare women journalists for senior roles.
While acknowledging NMG’s independence in making operational and editorial decisions, AMWIK urged the media house and other media organisations in East Africa to establish leadership and succession programmes that provide qualified women with opportunities to take up senior decision-making positions.
The association also called for greater attention to the mid-career retention of women journalists, warning that the industry risks losing experienced professionals before they can transition into senior editorial leadership.
AMWIK said it remains willing to work with NMG and other media stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies aimed at improving women’s representation in senior editorial and decision-making positions.
Category: News
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About the Author
Angel Wairimu is a media specialist and Communication and Multimedia graduate with a passion for digital media and content creation. Her areas of interest include scriptwriting, voice-over, content production, anchoring, videography and graphic design. She is passionate about using her creative skills to tell engaging stories while continuously learning and growing in the media industry. Email: angelicawairimumaina@gmail.com LinkedIn: Angel Wairimu
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