4 things Kenyans will remember about Waithaka Waihenya as he calls it a day at state broadcaster

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation managing director Waithaka Waihenya has left the media house after his contract expired.

His term expired on October 25 and he did not wish to further extend his contract.

Mr. Waihenya was appointed to the State-owned Corporation in 2010 and remained at the helm of KBC until 2017.

Previously he had served as editor-in-chief at KBC for three-and-a-half years and was associate editor at the Standards Group from Feb 1994 – Nov 2006,

He will be replaced by company secretary Paul Jilani in an acting capacity, until a substantive MD has been appointed.

Here are four things Kenyans will remember him for.

Ushered Kenya to the digital platform

KBC was the first media house in the country to start airing their content under digital platform after other local media houses initially resisted joining the migration claiming lack of proper consultation.

Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Royal Media Services went off air for a few weeks in protest leaving Kenyans.

Expanded KBC portfolio

While at the helm of KBC, Mr. Waihenya introduced seven new vernacular FM radio stations and two TV channels; Y254 and Heritage TV.

Also read: 4 KENYAN FAVORITE SWAHILI TV PROGRAMMES OF ALL TIME

Labour strikes

Despite his legacy, Mr. Waihenya will be remembered for overseeing multiple several labour strikes at the state broadcaster as KBC staff went on strike demanding better pay on several occasions throughout his tenure at the state corporation.

Just two months ago, workers at the national broadcaster downed their tools and boycotted work after their 21 day ultimatum elapsed following KBC management’s failure to sign and implement their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

2014 FIFA World Cup

Kenyans were able to enjoy the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil at the comfort of their sitting rooms courtesy of the state broadcaster which was the only media house in the country with exclusive rights to airi the world cup matches.