Standard to seek out accords with counties

The Standard Group will partner with devolved units to promote devolution and improve the living standards of citizens.

Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu yesterday said the media organisation was in the process of creating exciting products that would be key in creating a different space to highlight what is happening in counties.

“We have a big role to play as a company by making sure that the information channeled in our products is structured and targeted to citizens. Counties should brace for more changes,” said Mr Lyomu.

The CEO, who was speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago in Eldoret, said the Group was keen on highlighting the transformative strides made in the counties through its radio, television, digital and outdoor channels.

Mr Lyomu said his visit to the North Rift was informed by the need to understand key activities taking place in the region and explore ways of packaging and tailoring them for specific audiences.

“As a company, we now have a platform known as Farm Kenya Initiative in The Standard newspaper where we want to create awareness and solve challenges that affect farmers. This region is ideal because it is the country’s breadbasket and there are more untapped ventures,” he said.

The Farm Kenya Initiative seeks to highlight agricultural information and innovative skills for the benefit of citizens who are interested in empowerment in agriculture.

“At the moment, we are focusing on a consultative rather than prescriptive way of engaging counties and using the opportunity to create an impact by becoming problem solvers,” said Lyomu.

He added: “We have already launched Farmers TV, which is a platform that seeks to give space to farmers. As a company we shall endeavour to put more resources to such products.”

Standard Group also pledged to partner with the county and organisers of Eldoret City Marathon, which is an annual event.

“As we continue to engage each other on partnership plans, we commit that our media will be in a position to set a good agenda and also attract attention ahead of the event through packaging. I strongly believe that marathons should be named after cities and not sponsors,” said Lyomu.

Mr Mandago praised the company for its constant support, saying stories on its platforms had continued to shape the region by focusing on fundamental issues.

He said that as the North Rift Economic Bloc counties, they were keen on opening up the region as a tourist destination.

“The Media is able to play a critical role in showcasing our rich cultures, attraction sites and resources as one way of attracting tourists, who will in turn increase money circulation. It is critical to note that spread of wealth is done through development,” the governor said.

Lyomu was accompanied by Irene Kimani (commercial director), Charles Kimathi (corporate affairs), Jecinter Awuor (commercial manager), Judy Yego (customer relations North Rift), Ronald Ayieta (acting business manager) and Patrick Kibet (acting North Rift bureau chief)

The CEO later paid courtesy visits to Rift Valley Technical Training Institute Chief Principal Edwin Tarno and Moi University Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Kosgei.