From Shaking Hands to Confident Bylines: My Transformative Journey at Nation Media Group

📰✨ Last month, May 2025, marked the culmination of a chapter from this great historic book of mine that I'm writing...

I'm not used to such kind of long posts but I'm going to try today 'cause this journey deserves it! 🙈

When I first walked through the doors of Nation Media Group in February 2025, I carried with me years of preparation, passion for journalism, and a determination to make the most of this opportunity.

As a graduate who has completed my Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication with a focus on Electronic Media at Daystar University and is awaiting graduation in November 2025, I was finally stepping into one of East Africa's most prestigious media houses.

The Reality Check: Workplace Dynamics Ain't for the Faint-Hearted

The small small madharaus (the kawaida one mnakuanga mmewekea interns) - yes wewe, I see you! 👀 Those inward cries and wanting to burst into tears. 

These hardships found in most workplaces have hardened me TWICE as much as I was before! 💪🏽 I know hapo you've either cried with me or resonated! 😭

Uweeh! I now understand why we gen-z's just want self employment. These workplace dynamics are not for the faint-hearted! 😅

But the GROWTH? IMMEASURABLE! 

From shaking while pitching my first story to confidently walking into editorial meetings with receipts and angles nobody thought of! 

My feature on "Kuinama" will forever be one of my proudest moments (even though I rewrote it severally). 

How my feature went from "needs work" to published (a whole page)? Proud moments! That's character development right there! 📈

From Behind the Scenes to Bylines

My greatest milestone came when I saw my byline for the first time in the Daily Nation. 

I remember staring at my name in print, feeling a surge of accomplishment and responsibility. This wasn't just about seeing my name published; it was about having my research, interviews, and writing deemed worthy of Nation Media Group's standards.

As I gained more experience, I began contributing to Taifa Leo as well, which challenged me to refine my Swahili writing skills while maintaining journalistic integrity across languages. 

Each published piece represented countless hours of research, interviews, editing, and collaboration with experienced editors who pushed me to elevate my work.

Field Reporting: The True Test

Nothing prepared me for the adrenaline rush of field reporting at Nation Media Group. Racing against deadlines, navigating unexpected challenges during interviews, and crafting compelling narratives under pressure quickly became part of my daily routine. 

I learned to be resourceful, whether it meant finding alternative sources when initial contacts fell through or adapting to changing story angles based on new developments.

Breaking news coverage taught me the balance between speed and accuracy. With each field assignment, I developed a sharper instinct for identifying the core elements of a story and presenting them with clarity and impact.

Nation taught me journalism isn't just writing, it's hunting for truth with a deadline breathing down your neck and still making it look effortless.

The 'Kuinama' Feature: My Defining Moment

My feature story on 'Kuinama' stands as my highlight – a piece that began as a curious observation and evolved into an in-depth analysis of this cultural phenomenon. 

The positive reader feedback and editorial recognition validated my approach to storytelling that balances journalistic objectivity with human connection.

This story will forever remain one of my proudest achievements, not just because it was published, but because of the journey it took me on – from concept to final edit, through multiple rewrites and editorial feedback sessions that shaped me as a storyteller.

Digital Journalism: Adapting to the Future

My internship coincided with Nation Media Group's continued digital transformation. Contributing to both print and digital platforms gave me firsthand experience in how traditional media is adapting to changing consumption patterns.

I embraced the opportunity to explore multimedia storytelling at Nation – combining text, images, audio, and video elements to create immersive narratives for diverse audiences across different platforms.

My Published Portfolio

My proudest achievements at Nation Media Group have been my published bylines, available at:

https://nation.africa/kenya/people/nivah-kirimi-4951144

My profile showcases my growing portfolio of published works, including:

- The in-depth feature story on 'Kuinama' that examined this cultural phenomenon and its social implications

- News reports covering current events and breaking stories in Kenya and the world

- Feature articles exploring community issues and human interest stories

- Contributions to both English and Swahili platforms through Daily Nation and Taifa Leo

Each published piece represents my commitment to thorough research, balanced reporting, and engaging storytelling.

The People Who Made It Worthwhile

To my day ones who kept me sane, thank you! 

My mentors and supervisors/bosses, Mr. Patrick Lang'at and Mr. Harry Misiko, who made the journey a lil' easier – can't thank you enough. Best of all times (innovates myself😅)

Beyond technical skills, my time at Nation Media Group taught me invaluable professional lessons through the people I worked with:

- The power of newsroom collaboration and how diverse perspectives strengthen reporting

- The ethical considerations that guide responsible journalism  

- The importance of resilience when stories don't unfold as expected

- The discipline required to maintain high standards under tight deadlines

- The courage to ask difficult questions during interviews

This experience has been transformative – challenging my capabilities, expanding my perspective, and reinforcing my commitment to journalism that informs, engages, and impacts society. 

I've learned that journalism isn't just a profession; it's a responsibility to truth, to society, and to the craft itself.

The red-pen edits I used to dread? They became my teachers. The tight deadlines that once stressed me? They became my motivation. The challenging interviews? They became my confidence builders.

Chapter Done, But the Book? Still Being Written...

Looking back at my published works, particularly my feature on 'Kuinama', I recognize how far I've come and how much further I can go in my pursuit of journalistic excellence. 

This internship has been just the beginning of my journey with Nation Media Group.

Chapter done but the book? Still being written... with better grammar now, thanks to those red-pen edits I used to dread! 😂

As I carry forward the standards of excellence, integrity, and purpose that define Nation Media Group's approach to journalism, I'm excited about the new chapter at Royal Media's - Citizen TV Digital and eager to see what it brings forth. 

https://citizen.digital/author/nivah-kirimi-126568

The story continues, and honestly? I'm more excited than ever about where this journey will take me.

Itajipa tu very soon 🤲🏽 Insha'Allah

#MediaLife #GrowthIsMessy #ButSoWorthIt #JourneyModeOn