‘Standard’ vows to guard public interest

By FREDRICK OBURA

The Standard Group has reassured the public of balanced reporting through its media outlets on issues affecting society.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei noted negative ethnicity, youth unemployment and corruption as some of the major challenges that needed media attention.

A direct link can be traced from these ills to the frequent incidents of violence and insecurity in the country.

“There is no clarity in the Government system on how to address rising cases of unemployment,” he said. “Lack of jobs has rendered youths hopeless. We need to reclaim our position in championing the issues that affect society. Negative ethnicity, which led to election’s violence, needs to be addressed to avert future occurrence.”

Speaking at a tree-planting ceremony at the company’s new Press Freedom park with outgoing Deputy Chairman Paul Melly, Shollei assured the public of intensive coverage on issues affecting development

He said The Standard Group will focus its resources on issues that affect the nation. 

The park at the Group’s head offices is a recreational centre consisting of a jogging track, health park and other leisure facilities intended to offer a relaxed working environment. It will also include an Internet ‘hot spot’ enabling staff to work outdoors if they wish. 

Melly said: “As the roots of the tree we have planted grows deeper so should the business.”

Melly urged staff to use resources at the park effectively more so in defending the rights of the public. He reminded the CEO of enormous tasks lying ahead.

Shollei thanked the outgoing chief executive for milestones such as the modern printing press, the new offices among other developments made under his leadership.

“I will work day and night to make sure that the group moves to the next level,” said Shollei. Present at the occasion included senior staff from different department of the group who participated in tree planting exercise.