Larry Madowo Explains Why He Left the US for CNN Job in Nairobi
Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has explained why he left the BBC to become CNN’s Nairobi-based correspondent.
In an interview with Bizcommunity, Madowo said the decision to take up the new job was informed by his desire to raise the standards of foreign media coverage of Africa.
“We’ve discussed my role with the leadership at CNN International since last year and this was a perfect time. I’ve always been critical of some of the foreign media’s coverage of Africa, so I felt challenged when the CNN opportunity came up,” said Madowo.
He added: “It’s easy to criticize other journalists’ African reporting from the comforts of America, but I chose to come back, so the audience can hold me accountable to the same standards I preached.”
Before joining CNN, Madowo served as the BBC North America correspondent based in Washington, DC.
“I’m thrilled to be heading back home and starting a new assignment with CNN covering a patch that’s close to my heart. Whether I’m working in Johannesburg, London, or Washington, Nairobi has always been special to me. This is an amazing platform to showcase the full breadth of African life with a massive audience,” he said.
As BBC North America reporter, Madowo covered major stories including the 2020 US elections, the COVID-19 outbreak, the protests following the killing of George Floyd, and the trial of Derek Chauvin.
He was also a fill-in anchor for the broadcaster’s flagship BBC World News America show that airs globally and on PBS stations across the US.
Madowo started his journalism career at Kenya Television Network (KTN) at the age of 20 and has previously worked for NTV Kenya and CNBC Africa.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Daystar University and a master’s in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University in New York.
Comments (11)
Now why is this news? Do you know how many Kenyans have come back home and the sky has not fallen down?
@madowo realized he had to work harder in America because of the fine training other American journalists get in America. He was not recognized in America at all!
He did not have much recognition there as a starter! His reporting of the American elections last year was below the belt with several inaccurate gaffs!
The same thing happened with his COVID 19 reporting. You can fool Americans for too long without getting the lid lift up to reveal your errors! He will fairly make in Kenya because he is not strictly scrutinized like he was in America.
He had to return to Kenyan where he can wade through journalism and under per reporting but still get paid ok money! America is a tough place to be a fabbled journalist! He could not service there as a reporter!
Yeah I watched his small lack luster segment performance on George Floyd court case with some mistakes in between. A shadow of the mdomo man when he left Kenya. I bet USA has shown him what excellence looks like and nobody give an F about a mere Mdomo journalist unless you are Wolf Blitzer, Tucker Carlson , Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo, Jim Cousta, Lester Holts etc.
Home is home, and if one is equal money as they would abroad....well. Good for you, I wish you well.
I watched him cover the protests by our brothers there and he was just managing but he was improving.
His OPT for one year expired as a student on F1 Visa. He used the OPT to work for one year and no company was willing to sponsor him for H1-B work visa. So he had to leave to avoid being deported. Luckily CNN agreed to extend his attachment if he agreed to work for them from back home, Nairobi. CNN is currently not sponsoring anyone for work visa/green card until further notice.
Asante for telling the real truth not the creamed version . Again always - grain of salt on all these "success" stories
Mudomo madowo kiberembere. Part of Madowo mdomo's mouth should be stitched along the seams. Coming to America, living in America and being in America is no big deal, Mdomo. Too much excitements from a kiddish mentality. I have travelled to UK, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Brasil, Cuba, but I dont talk about it until you made me snap. Seems you are not yet grown up, man.
Good job madowo u didn’t remain in the refugee brainwashed modern slavery usa as many have done n gotten stuck.It’s good u exited earlier.Welcome back home sweet home where stress is less/u see yr family often/u enjoy small u have/social life is present.Karibu nyumbani my bratha.
His deep Kenyan accent would not let him report effectively. As a successful career journalist, he is better placed at home. Good luck
Who cares Madowo! I hope rubadiri helps you grow up because you have a lot of childishness in your head! People change jobs all the time but it has never been public news! What is do special working for cnn??