Ex-Standard Group Editor’s Heartbreaking Cancer Battle and Shocking Dismissal Exposed.
Kizito Namulanda, former Innovation and Content Editor for Broadcast Services at Standard Group, shared a deeply personal account of his 2022 cancer diagnosis and abrupt job loss amid treatment.
In a statement dated Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Kizito said 2022 was the most challenging year of his life, as he was diagnosed with cancer of the voice box and later lost his job during treatment.
“In 2022, I faced a life-changing challenge: a diagnosis of cancer of the voice box. The journey was grueling, especially after my employment was terminated in a manner that made the struggle even harder,” he said.
He explained that although his job had been his financial lifeline during treatment, he drew strength from faith, family support, and determination to keep fighting.
Diagnosed with stage 3 laryngeal cancer, he underwent grueling radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery in India, dropping from 74kg to 40kg while isolated due to low immunity during COVID-19.
Kizito Namulanda stands out as a seasoned broadcast journalism manager, change leader, and digital media consultant, renowned for pioneering innovative content strategies and spearheading digital transformations in newsrooms.
Namulanda drove a major digital overhaul at Standard Group, launching a news subscription model, streamlining workflows, and establishing a converged digital newsroom.
He bolstered KTN as Kenya’s top news channel through bold investigative reporting and contributed to the debut of Standard Group’s inaugural radio station.
He earned a Master’s Degree in Linguistics and African Languages from Kenyatta University, blending scholarly insight with practical media expertise.
The Diagnosis and Treatment Ordeal
Namulanda’s symptoms began with a hoarse voice, leading to a devastating throat cancer confirmation that forced travel to India for advanced care.
Post-surgery, he recovered in Nairobi but faced feeding tubes and ongoing check-ups, drawing strength from family and faith despite financial strain from lost income.
His health crisis overlapped with professional betrayal, amplifying his vulnerability.
While attending a post-surgery review in India, Namulanda learned via a colleague’s message of a retrenchment targeting him too, unaware of any prior notice.
“I was shocked, as I wasn’t aware of any retrenchment plans. Unknown to me, a similar letter had already been emailed to me. When I finally saw it, I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
Returning to Kenya, he pleaded his case, but Standard Group issued a formal termination email, offering severance in 10 monthly installments he claims remain unpaid after 14 months.
“I was completely shaken and confused, but an inner voice urged me to prioritise what mattered most, my health. After receiving favourable medical results, I returned to Nairobi to plead my case, but the company stood firm,” he added.
Standard Group’s cash strapped state reflects wider Kenyan media woes, with ethical questions on dismissing loyal staff like Namulanda 15 years of service including mentoring at KTN during life-threatening illness.
His story echoes exits like KTN anchor Zubeidah Kananu Koome after 18 years, signaling fragility where health offers no protection.
Now cancer-free with a permanent voice change, Namulanda seeks closure and a fresh start, urging focus on health over futile fights.
“The journey was and is still tough, but I thank God I am in good health now and ready to start afresh. Each morning, like a football striker emerging from a drought, I pray for that one chance to put the ball in the net and bring back the joyful moments,” Kizito said.