Untold story of struggling KBC’s new CEO tasked to recover Ksh45 billion debt

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After an year without clear leadership at the national broadcaster, veteran journalist Dr Naim Bilal was on Friday appointed as the new managing director of the State broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.

In a gazette notice, Information, Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru stated that the appointment that takes effect immediately will be for a period of three years.

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“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 5 (1) of the Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology appoints Naim Bilal to be the Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting cooperation for a period of three years with effect from 20th March 2019,” the notice stated.

Bilal has been serving as the director of information in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).

He has previously worked as a senior editor at the Nation Media Group (NMG) and as a spokesperson for the judiciary.

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Bilal will replace Waithaka Waihenya who quit in 2018 after seven years as KBC top executive.

Paul Jilani  has been serving as MD in an acting capacity.

The state broadcaster is faced with numerous challenges including historical debts amounting to over Sh45 billion.

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KBC’s management has in the past come under fire for alleged embezzlement of funds.

The state broadcaster has suffered numerous staff strikes over remuneration and working conditions.

It will also be interesting to see how Bilal will steer KBC in the changing media environment where traditional outlets are incorporating digital trends such as online journalism.

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