Mercy Kimani’s journey at Nation Media Group began as an intern curious about how the tech team worked. More than two decades later, she heads the IT Operations function across four countries, leading bold projects, championing homegrown solutions and embracing AI to future-proof East Africa’s largest media house.
When she walked into Nation Media Group as an intern, Mercy was not thinking long-term. Her curiosity was simple; to learn, solve problems and see what the tech team actually did. More than 20 years later, she is the one leading that team and driving operational efficiency across four countries.
Interestingly, IT was never her first choice. Mercy was eyeing international relations until her father nudged her towards computer studies. What began as a reluctant trial quickly became a lifelong passion. “I fell in love with IT when I started studying it, it just made sense to me,” she recalls. That accidental beginning turned out to be the spark for a long and impactful tech journey.
As her career progressed through roles in systems administration, infrastructure and security, she found herself naturally gravitating towards projects that came with pressure, ambiguity and a bit of risk. She was never one to play it safe. “I like challenges. I like doing the things that are not so obvious,” she says. That mindset eventually shaped her leadership style, one grounded in grit, experimentation and a quiet determination to get the job done.
One of her proudest moments was leading a domain migration and upgrade across three countries, an undertaking that even Microsoft advised against. “They did not think it was possible. But we did it and it became a case study,” she says with a smile. The success of that project not only impressed Microsoft, it unlocked regional integration across Nation Media Group’s operations and proved what was possible when her team leant into the unknown.
Her team has also learnt how to build what they need when the market does not provide it. From creating their own subscription management solution to building an e-paper platform, they have found ways to innovate that fit the realities of their industry. “Some of the solutions we have developed have never been used in this market before. That gives us real pride,” she says.
Wider challenges
Not every moment has been a win. In 2014, Nation faced a crippling cyber breach that disrupted operations for nearly two weeks. “Backups, disaster recovery, none of it worked. It was a big wake-up call,” she admits. The experience sparked a renewed focus on cybersecurity that has since become part of the company’s DNA.
It also opened her eyes to a wider challenge in the region, which is the limited investment in cybersecurity awareness and training outside certain sectors like financial services. “Cybersecurity is still largely ignored, yet it is critical for everyone,” she says.
Mercy is equally candid about the challenge of benchmarking. As the largest media house in East and Central Africa, Nation has few true peers in the region. “When I try to compare notes within the industry, who do I ask?” she reflects. And in media, she adds, timing is everything. “One minute late is too late. If it is news, it has to be now. The audience will not wait.”
Yet for all the challenges, she is energised by the possibilities ahead, especially in AI. Nation is embedding AI into content workflows to help with governance, testing AI-powered chatbots for its platforms and incorporating AI in cybersecurity detection and response strategies. “A lot is happening with AI here,” she says.
Always learning
When she finally steps away from work, she values her downtime with the same seriousness she gives to deadlines. Whether it is a getaway, a swim, or a craft session with her children, she fiercely protects that space. “When I say I am doing nothing, it does not mean I am available. It is my moment,” she says with a laugh.
She has also remained committed to mentoring the next generation. Remembering her early days as an intern, Mercy recalls, coming in each day and just sitting because there was not much for interns to do. “But I kept showing up and asking questions until someone finally took a chance on me.” That moment stuck with her and shaped how she now approaches growing new talent.
Today, NMG supports a year-round IT internship programme designed to give trainees meaningful, hands-on experience. “It is important to give them real work, not just shadowing,” she says. “They should leave having done something they can be proud of.”
Whether it is a student fresh out of university or a junior team member finding their grounding in IT, Mercy ensures someone is always learning, contributing and building confidence on her watch.
