Nation Media Group, owner of Daily Nation, NTV, Daily Monitor, The Citizen, sold to Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz in 2026, ending 66 years of Aga Khan ownership. Full story.
Nation Media Group sold, Rostam Aziz, Aga Khan, Daily Nation, NTV Kenya, Daily Monitor Uganda, media Africa 2026
NAIROBI — In a historic shift for East African media, Nation Media Group (NMG), the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa, has been sold to Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz, ending 66 years of ownership by the Aga Khan.
Founded in 1959 by His Highness the Aga Khan, NMG owns Kenya’s Daily Nation, NTV Kenya, Uganda’s Daily Monitor, Tanzania’s The Citizen, and regional weekly The EastAfrican.
The deal, confirmed in 2026, marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most trusted independent voices.
Who is Rostam Aziz?
Rostam Aziz, 62, is a Tanzanian billionaire, former CCM MP, and businessman with interests in mining, telecoms, and real estate. He is one of Tanzania’s richest men and a close ally of the ruling establishment.
His acquisition raises questions about editorial independence in a region where press freedom is already fragile.
Why Now?
Sources close to the deal say the Aga Khan Development Network, which has funded media as a public service for decades, has been under financial pressure and shifting focus to education and health.
NMG profits have declined in recent years due to digital disruption, advertising cuts, and government pressure. In June 2026, NMG Uganda was briefly shut down by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Museveni, before reopening after public outcry.
What Changes for Daily Nation, NTV, Daily Monitor?
– Kenya: Daily Nation and NTV Kenya remain market leaders but face competition from digital-first outlets like TUKO.co.ke, which reaches 62% of Kenyans weekly (Reuters 2025), and EastAfricanReport.com.
– Uganda: Daily Monitor, known for critical reporting, may face more pressure under new ownership.
– Tanzania: The Citizen, already operating in a restrictive environment, could see tighter controls.
Press Freedom Concerns
According to Reporters Without Borders 2026, Ghana (39th), South Africa, Namibia and Seychelles lead Africa in press freedom. Kenya ranks in the middle, Uganda and Tanzania lower.
Media analysts warn that billionaire ownership of independent media, without clear editorial safeguards, can weaken accountability journalism.
> “From Youm7 in Egypt with 456M visits to Sahara Reporters in Nigeria to EastAfricanReport.com breaking the Moyale border crisis, independent media in Africa is under pressure but rising digitally,” said a Reuters Institute researcher.
What Next?
Rostam Aziz has pledged to respect editorial independence and invest in digital transformation. NMG staff in Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam await a formal announcement on management changes.
For East African Report, ranked among Top 10 Independent Media in Africa 2026, this sale underscores why new, digital-first, diaspora-funded outlets are vital to holding power to account.
BY: East African Report Investigative Desk
DATE: Saturday, October 31, 2026 | East Africa Edition | Exclusive
