NTV’s morning show receives praise in new book
The programme is just a year old, but it has already impressed many. It is dubbed “Fixing the Nation: One Conversation at a Time”, and it stars Eric Latiff, Janet Mbugua and Mariam Bishar. The three hold interviews aimed at examining the wrongs in Kenya and how to rectify them.
Communications strategist Gina Din is among the people captivated by the show that airs on NTV, Nation FM and online every weekday from 6 am to 10 am.
In her new book, Beyond the Ballot, she lists the show as among the programmes that “have become a powerful force in demanding transparency and accuracy in government communication”.
“Fixing the Nation” is mentioned in a chapter about government spokespeople and what they should do to project messages impactfully.
“An engaged and critical media plays a crucial role in improving the quality of government communication,” Gina Din writes as she mentions Citizen TV’s News Gang programme as another good Kenyan example in Kenya.
“In countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, where the media actively holds the government to account, the role of the spokesperson becomes even more significant. The media’s demand for transparency, accuracy, and responsiveness pushes government spokespersons to deliver high-quality communication,” she adds.
The book was launched at the Nairobi Serena Hotel on February 19 in an event attended by Gina Din and her family, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, former Attorney-General Githu Muigai, various ambassadors based in Kenya, among other dignitaries.
The Nation Media Foundation, which was a partner for the launch, was also represented, as was the Ford Foundation and the Law Africa publishing outfit.
Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo, in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Corporate Affairs and Partnerships Officer Monicah Ndung’u, said the book is a great addition to African knowledge.
“Our partnership around ‘Beyond the Ballot’ reflects our belief that when communication improves, governance improves and when governance improves, society benefits,” said Mr Odundo.
“By choosing to write, to document, and to invite conversation, you are contributing to institutional memory and to the growth of future leaders,” he added. “Trust is not automatic; you say this repeatedly in your book. It is built consistently, transparently, and together all this is interwoven by how clearly the messages crafted by institutions – not just by government – are not only delivered but also received.”
Dr Sing’oei, who was the guest of honour at the launch, said that through the book, the author interrogated “the pivotal role of communication in leadership”.
“This book sits at the intersection of governance practice, strategic communication, institutional strengthening, crisis leadership, and continental influence. In this body of work, Gina Din distils wisdom from her own professional engagement and the experience of others to speak directly to African leaders, governments, policy actors, and institutions, including our own African Union, on the centrality of effective communication in the exercise of governance,” said the PS.
“Her primary thesis, in my view, seems to be that it’s effective, sustained, strategic, and authentic communication that enables citizens’ trust to be engendered,” he added.
In the book, Gina Din applauds some of the best public spokespeople in Africa, and curiously, no Kenyan makes the cut.
South Africa’s Clayson Monyela, Namibia’s Alfredo Hengari and Ethiopia’s Billene Seyoum Woldeyes receive the accolades for effectively articulating their messages during demanding times.
In the case of Mr Monyela, she writes that he “exemplifies the power of strategic government communication”.
“Monyela’s ability to represent South Africa’s interests on the global stage has been a significant asset in managing diplomatic relations and national perceptions abroad,” she states.
Mr Monyela is the head of public diplomacy in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government. Mr Ramaphosa also has a separate spokesman for his office.
Namibia’s Alfredo Hengari receives accolades in Gina Din’s book for showing how “clear and authoritative communication can enhance a country’s credibility”.
Dr Hengari was the presidential press secretary to Hage Geingob, who was Namibia’s president between 2015 and 2024.
“Known for his calm demeanour and eloquent responses, Dr Hengari has represented Namibia’s government in various international and domestic platforms. His ability to convey the government’s stance on sensitive issues such as the land reform debate and economic policy has been instrumental in shaping both domestic and international views of Namibia,” writes Gina Din.
Gina Din’s final African example, Billene Seyoum Woldeyes of Ethiopia, is celebrated for helping “bolster Ethiopia’s diplomatic standing and maintain national unity during times of political and social tension”.
“She has managed media relations with professionalism, ensuring that Ethiopia’s voice [is] heard with clarity, even amid challenges,” writes Gina Din, who notes that some of the controversies that Billene has waded through include the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Dr Seyoum is the press secretary in the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During the book launch, Gina Din said she didn’t write the book to criticise.
“I wrote ‘Beyond the Ballot’ not as a verdict, not as criticism, but as a contribution; an invitation to move the moment of winning power to the discipline of exercising it wisely; an invitation to treat trust as strategic capital,” she said.
It is in a sub-topic titled “Elevating Africa’s Spokespersons” that she gives examples of some of those who have excelled.
In another chapter, a Kenyan example of good communication is given based on the messaging during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Kagwe and former Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi get accolades for being effective communicators at the time.
In fact, Dr Mwangangi has co-written one of the sub-chapters with Gina Din, where she looks back at the messaging during the Covid era.
“It became clear very quickly: this would not only be fought in hospitals; it would also be fought in the public imagination. How we communicated would decide how people behaved. And how people behaved would decide how many would live,” Dr Mwangangi, who is today the CEO of the Social Health Authority, says.
She also explains how Mr Kagwe, who was just days into his job as the Health boss when the first case of Covid was confirmed in Kenya, helped steady the ship.
“Appointing Kagwe was a masterstroke. He didn’t just manage the pandemic. He framed it, communicated it, and led the country through it – not with slogans, but with steadiness. Memes were made about him. Parodies circulated. But through it all, Kagwe embraced the country, and in turn, the country embraced him. He became the public face of calm in a season of uncertainty. He was not distant, not dramatic, just present,” she says.
“We didn’t pretend to have all the answers. But we were always present. And in a crisis, presence matters more than perfection,” adds Dr Mwangangi.
Gina Din said at the launch, “If this book sparks conversation, I would have done the work. We have spent years saying Africa is the future. The future is no longer ahead of us. Africa has risen. Now we must lead like it has. And conversations like this are for that leadership.”
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.