SK Macharia Lands on Top Govt Job

Renowned media mogul Dr. SK Macharia, Chairman of Royal Media Services, has been appointed to the Murang’a County Budget and Economic Forum by Governor Irungu Kangata, according to a recently published gazette notice.

This strategic move places Dr. Macharia in a pivotal role, representing entrepreneurs within the influential forum.

Joining him in this influential assembly is Jimnah Mbaru, a distinguished Nairobi business magnate who once aspired to become the Nairobi County Governor.

Mbaru, an 80-year-old figure widely recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in the nation, has a notable history in the business realm.

He is most notably acknowledged as the proprietor of Royal Media Services, a media conglomerate that boasts ownership of Citizen TV, Radio Citizen, and various vernacular radio stations broadcasting in multiple local languages.

The media landscape in Kenya has been significantly shaped by Dr. Macharia’s leadership, with Citizen TV consistently holding the title of the country’s premier television station for more than a decade. His influence extends to nearly half of the market, solidifying his standing as a key player in the media industry.

Dr. Macharia’s political affiliations are also noteworthy, as he is recognized as a close ally of the Azimio la Umoja coalition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

During the 2022 general election, he actively advocated for Odinga’s candidacy, playing a prominent role in the charm offensive conducted in the Mount Kenya region. Despite his significant involvement, Odinga was unsuccessful in his bid to succeed former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Since the conclusion of the 2022 general election, Dr. Macharia has notably maintained a subdued political profile, prompting speculation about his future plans and current whereabouts. This unexpected shift in his political engagement has left many observers pondering the mogul’s next moves in both business and politics.