New York Times’ Job Advert on Nairobi Bureau Chief Angers Kenyans Online

A job advertisement by American publication, the New York Times (NYT) has angered Kenyans online.

The newspaper published the advert on LinkedIn on Wednesday saying it was looking for a suitable candidate to fill the Nairobi bureau chief post.

The job description, which stated that the media house required a reporter to cover 'conflict and unexpected stories of hope’ in the region, annoyed Kenyan social media users.

“The ideal candidate should enjoy jumping on news, be willing to cover conflict, and also be drawn to investigative stories. There is also the chance to delight our readers with unexpected stories of hope and the changing rhythms of life in a rapidly evolving region…” the advertisement read in part.

The advert further noted that the region is a “strategically important territory with many vital storylines, including terrorism, the scramble for resources, the global contest with China and the constant push-and-pull of democracy versus authoritarianism.”

Critics said the US media was only interested in highlighting negative stories about the region and Africa as opposed to positive ones.

@georgenjoroge_ noted:" If you are rearing to apply for this .@nytimes Nairobi Bureau chief job you should know what kind of stories New York Times is looking for! The darkness of Africa."

@TravisLAdkins said:" Hard to distinguish this @nytimes ad for a Nairobi Bureau Chief from a call to join a 19th Century expedition with Livingstone & Stanley."

@kopalo tweeted: "The ⁦@nytimes⁩’ job ad for Nairobi bureau chief says a lot about the kinds of stories they want from Eastern Africa."

@OliverMathenge stated: "When someone sent me this New York Times advert, I had to read it twice just to confirm that the kind of journalist they are looking for is one who would just focus on the negative news in this region."

@ogundamisi said: "Requirements to work as @nytimes journalist in Africa. You have the ability to focus on the negative and "occasional good news".

"Unexpected stories of hope. That is how much @nytimes despise Africa."

@dtomno said:" Thought it was from Breitbat News. @nytimes could easily settle for a white supremacist with/without any other requisite skills."