Coast Veteran Journalist Retires After 38 Years in Media

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Government officials, journalists, and media stakeholders on Thursday, May 28, 2026 paid glowing tributes to veteran newsman Mohamed Hassan as he retired after 38 years as media personality in the public service.

Hassan, who served as the Kenya News Agency (KNA) Coast regional information officer, was celebrated for his contribution to journalism and for mentoring generations of reporters across the region.

The farewell ceremony brought together public officials, journalists, religious leaders and political leaders who described him as a disciplined professional whose influence extended beyond the newsroom.

Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Coast regional coordinator Maureen Mudi led the tributes distinguishing him as a journalist and mentor.

“We celebrate Mohamed Hassan because he is a man of the people who has been a distinguished member of the media and a mentor to many young journalists,” she said.

Mombasa County deputy governor and former journalist Francis Thoya and Senator Mohamed Faki praised retiree for his commitment to public service and community development through journalism.

“Apart from his work, we have been friends outside newsroom. Mohamed is a dedicated public officer who served the community well through his work as a journalist,” the DG said.

In his words, Hassan is a man who made a mark in the community through his journalistic journey and work.

The DG challenged journalists to reposition themselves and take up leadership positions after leaving newsrooms.

Several journalists who worked under him said his mentorship played a critical role in shaping their acumen and career development.

Al-Hajaar TV journalist Abdurahman Ali said Hassan’s guidance and counselling helped him grow professionally.

“He has been a big contributor to my journalistic career and his advice has propelled me to where I am,” he said.

Other mentees, Shamim Musa and Reagan Sitati, also credited him for nurturing their greenhorn talents through promoting their professionalism in the newsroom.

The chief guest, Abubakar Joho, who spoke on behalf of the mining cabinet secretary Hassan Joho, urged journalists to use their platforms responsibly by informing, educating, and inspiring upcoming media cubs.

“Make stories that can mentor youth. In line of your duty, make sure you educate and sensitise the community about emerging issues that impact their lives societal challenges,” he said.

He cautioned against sensational reporting, saying responsible journalism was critical in promoting informed public discourse.

While acknowledging the media’s contribution to national development, the businessman said negative publicity had at times affected him and his family urging journalists to uphold fairness in their media deliberations.

Mvita deputy county commissioner Kalume Kashuru commended Hassan for serving the community with dedication and commitment.

He called for stronger collaboration between the media and government in communicating development programmes.

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib described the retiring journalist as a key contributor to positive change at the Coast region through his impactful reporting.

The legislator urged journalists to remain united in promoting public awareness and setting a constructive national agenda.

Retirement organising committee chairman Francis Mtalaki challenged journalists to uphold ethical standards saying Hassan as one of the distinguished journalists who has made a mark in public service through journalism.

Veteran journalist and former Nation Media Group sports writer Abdulrahman Shariff praised Hassan as a humble with a nose for news that contributed immensely not only to his personal growth, but also for nation-building.

Tributes also poured in from colleagues from KNA, NTV, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) corporate affairs department while veteran journalist Moses Baya hailed his leadership qualities and consistency over the years in the profession.

In his farewell speech, the retiree urged young journalists to embrace integrity, humility and dedication in their work.

“Journalism is not just a job, it is a calling to serve the people and give voice to the voiceless who cannot speak for themselves,” he said amid applause from hundreds of journalists who had attended the ceremony held at Badalla hall.

“Stay curious, stay humble and never stop learning. The stories you tell today will shape the Coast region, and the nation of tomorrow.”

He thanked his friends and colleagues for their support throughout his approximately four decades in journalism.

“I’m grateful for the unity journalists have shown in coming together to celebrate my journey. This profession gave me purpose, and I hope I have left it better than I found it,” he said.

Religious leader led by Sheikh Hassan said as he exited the newsroom his enduring legacy would not only be the stories he filed, but also the many journalists he mentored, the professionalism he championed and his dedication throughout his career.