How Aga Khan’s legacy lives on in ‘Nation’

Many reasons. First, it's editorial policy over the years has been robust and "oppositionist " in nature. People have a love affair with independence. That Nation often dares the behemoth called government by writing on things that look daring, it can only win the people's trust. That explains why when I was growing up as a young child during the agitation for multiparty democracy people tended to trust the Nation for standing up to the Kanu regime.

Headlines showing the Saba Saba pro-reforms riots in the early 1990s made everyone to grab a copy of the newspaper. Those days when the only radio existing was state-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, the only other media outlet that had the temerity to rival Nation in speaking the truth was BBC Kiswahili bulletin of 6.30pm with presenters Suleiman Salim.

Humour column

I believe the second possible reason that has made the Nation strong are its columnists over the years. Wahome Mutahi remains a legend with his Whispers humour column. As a reader, I also loved "Letter from London" by Gerry Loughran and Mutahi Ngunyi in the Sunday Nation, which were on a different level.

The truth is that there are things I hold back by virtue of the seat that I occupy. But Wahome Mutahi, those days, would shoot straight from the hip in his humour column. Every Sunday after attending church I would rush to my cobbler’s kiosk to read these columnists. Chris Hart remains my favourite but there are many others who have kept the fire burning in dissecting diverse issues.

Third, the newspaper’s font and layout have maintained an edge over competitors. The masthead and blue corporate colour also look good.

But are there areas of improvement in our newspapers? I have always thought this country should de-emphasis on politics and lean more on matters development and economics. But every day local newspaper headlines are about this politician plotting something against the other politician. But after 20 or 30 years from today, that hospital built will be there. But the politicking done today will be missing. Therefore, of what use is the highlighting of politics?

Newspapers of countries that have forged ahead on matters development focus on issues like economics, unemployment rate, inflation, agricultural output, educational standards among others.

My friend, who has worked at the Nation for long, tells me, however, that politics sells in Kenya. There is an anecdote that when an attempt was made by an editor to pivot the newspaper away from politics, the readers voted with their money.

But for those who do not want too much politics, there is Nation’s sister newspaper, the Business Daily. And that innovative streak also explains the presence of Taifa Leo — the only Kiswahili mass circulation newspaper in Kenya. Oh, I remember its "Kibogoyo akujibu" column? Or Juha Kalulu cartoon strip? Those were masterpieces. And let’s not forget the regional East African newspaper.

But dangers lie ahead. What will happen to newspapers as social media changes the landscape? Recently, a certain social media comedian highlighted some Murang’a County Early Childhood Development Education projects. I was shocked to notice his exposure had more impact than conventional media. The public seems to be drifting strongly to alternative social media.

Well, it is too early to write off legacy media. People have a need for a trusted provider of service. That explains why people visit an expensive doctor when they are sick as opposed to a medicine man in the village.

Therefore, the Nation must retain the trust it has cultivated.

The growth of Nation as shepherded by Aga Khan can offer some lessons to Kenyans.

One lesson is the importance of big business in a country’s development. Nation is a huge business that employs many Kenyans and enhances democracy.

Professionalism

Another lesson is patience in the evolution of a business. It took many years for Nation to return a profit.

Nation’s evolution also helps in illustrating the rationale of professionalism. The editorial policy is devoid of influences of its key owner. Noticing how secular and liberal it seems, one is surprised to know the founder was also a religious leader. That shows the healthy distance between owner and the business.

But of course I remember in certain instances whenever the Aga Khan visited Kenya, the Nation would turn some spotlight on him. I think those were few deserved moments.

Also, the logic of listing in a securities exchange was illustrated in the growth of this media house. Most businesses struggle in raising capital. Listing can remedy that as it imbues professionalism since a company is compelled to open its books to the larger public by law.

Finally, Aga Khan through Nation (and Aga Khan Hospital, among other investments) showed business interest can be aligned with altruistic societal goals. In a nutshell, one can pursue money through business but through that, uplift lives.

Through provision of healthcare (Aga Khan Hospital) or defending democracy (Nation) there is a social logic of capitalism.

And that is what Africa and Kenya needs more — business people who pursue profits but in that endeavour add value to society. Such an approach is more sustainable than aid that can be withdrawn anytime by creating a win-win situation.

Dr Kangata is the Governor of Murang’a County