Eight individuals, including former Standard Group boss Peter Opondo have been selected as finalists for the Managing Director role at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
This follows the suspension of KBC’s acting managing director, Samuel Maina, by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo due to corruption allegations in December last year.
While the reason for his firing was never revealed, the veteran media strategist said he was arm-twisted into signing his termination contract.
“To ‘protect my professional reputation’ —so that the company can announce I left to pursue “personal interests”. I chose to embrace my sacking. I was fired. It is what it is. This is nothing to be ashamed about,” he said.
“It’s someone’s opinion about me, it doesn’t change who I am. I am pretty sure I will be vindicated soon…So I own my low, and learn from it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Fail early, fail often, fail forward. It is life!”
Paul Macharia has been serving as the acting MD since Maina’s suspension.
Maina’s suspension stemmed from his commitment to a significant $5 billion (Sh769 billion) payment in LCIA Arbitration No. 122233: Channel 2 Group Corporation versus Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), executed without securing requisite approvals from crucial government bodies such as the Ministry of ICT, the National Treasury, and the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.
The position was advertised earlier this year, with the application window closing on March 5th. A total of 43 candidates threw their hats in the ring.
“The Corporation has concluded the shortlisting exercise and hereby publishes the names of the shortlisted candidates who are cordially invited for interviews,” the Corporation stated in an official notice.
Other shortlisted candidates for the position include Abraham Muthogo Kamau, Chris Khisa Tabitha Mutemi, Peter Njigua, Agnes Kalekye, Jason Nyantino, and Sogoti James. The interviews are slated to take place on March 26th.
