Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria made strong statements against Nation Media Group (NMG) during the Akorino Annual Convention held in Embu County. He criticized NMG for its perceived negative portrayal of the ruling government and its coverage of corruption within high-ranking government circles. Kuria demanded that the media house clarify whether it was fulfilling its role as a watchdog or aligning itself with the opposition.

Kuria went as far as threatening to cut government advertising assigned to NMG and warned government officials that promoting advertisements on NMG platforms would result in immediate dismissal. He stated that any government agency placing ads with NMG would face consequences.

Nation Media Group is one of the country's leading media houses, running various brands such as NTV, Daily Nation, Nation Africa, and Nation FM.

After his speech, Kuria took his criticism online and posted a tweet filled with expletives. The tweet sarcastically suggested that in the future, NMG would mainly attract auctioneers and death announcements through its classifieds section.

Prior to Kuria's confrontation, NMG had aired an investigative piece exposing a Ksh6 billion oil scandal allegedly involving the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture.

At the time of this story's publication, The Media Owners Association, the Editors Guild, and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) had not responded to Kuria's statements.

The article also provided additional information about NMG's advertising strategies. In 2020, the media house launched its digital brand, Nation.Africa, to adapt to changing consumer habits and reduce dependence on government advertising. They implemented a paywall but later removed it to increase readership leading up to the 2022 general elections. In 2021, print accounted for 72% of NMG's revenue, but the company experienced a 20% increase in digital revenue after revamping its website.

In 2023, NMG implemented changes in its editorial leadership as part of the Newsroom Integration Project. The company merged its print and online platforms into one structure to operate more effectively. The transition was planned to take place in phases, ensuring a careful and smooth process according to Group Editorial Director Joe Ageyo.