“People Daily going green means using digital printing to publish an e-paper and reducing 100 percent the environmental impact of newspaper production and associated supply chain processes while still upholding the ethics of journalism,”-Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya
In a groundbreaking move for Kenya’s media landscape, People Daily (PD), published by Mediamax Networks Ltd, has become the first national newspaper to transition entirely to digital. This shift comes amid dwindling readership of legacy newspapers and declining advertising revenues, setting a trend likely to be emulated by other media houses in the country.
The decision was officially announced on Friday, with a senior editor confirming that the day’s print edition was the final one to roll off the presses. The transition marks the end of a 32-year journey for the publication, which began as a weekly under the stewardship of its founder, the late Kenneth Matiba.
A Legacy of Resilience and Change
Matiba started People Daily three decades ago as a platform to amplify his political voice after being denied space in other dailies during his clashes with then-President Moi. The newspaper transitioned into a daily publication and later became a free sheet to attract advertisers and increase revenue.
In 2009, the publication was acquired by Mediamax, backed by affluent investors, including the Kenyatta family. Despite showing promise, the newspaper struggled to recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding employees and grappling with salary delays.
The Green Transition
Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya emphasized the environmental benefits of the digital transition. “People Daily going green means using digital printing to publish an e-paper and reducing 100 percent the environmental impact of newspaper production and associated supply chain processes while still upholding the ethics of journalism,” Ngaruiya stated.
He announced the company’s partnership with the Green Belt Movement (GBM), focusing on tree planting, water harvesting, climate change mitigation, advocacy, and gender empowerment. The move aligns with People Daily’s commitment to both environmental and societal sustainability. To commemorate the shift, the publication’s staff participated in a tree-planting exercise in Ngong on Friday.
Kenya’s media houses have been grappling with the challenges of digital disruption for years, forcing them to rethink their strategies. The rise of Gen Z readers, who prefer digital platforms, combined with reduced disposable incomes and shrinking advertising budgets, has made print media a less viable business model.
Mediamax is not alone in its pivot to digital. Nation Media Group now prioritizes online content, feeding its print editions from a revamped digital desk. Similarly, Standard Group adopted a digital-first approach through a converged newsroom but has faced challenges due to uncoordinated efforts and financial instability.
As People Daily leads the way with its complete digital transformation, the move signals a new chapter for Kenya’s media industry, one where sustainability and innovation take center stage in response to shifting consumer habits and economic realities.
