China Central TV has launched the biggest raid on personnel across Kenyan TV newsrooms, snatching top editors, talented reporters, decorated camera personnel and skilled technical operators as the station prepares for its launch in December 2011, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.

Top editors of what will be the Kenyan office and continental satellite studio for the Chinese have already been trained in Beijing and are preparing for what is being described as a “transformation of international TV experience.”

News Editor Newton Ndebu, formerly with the Kenya Television Network, declined to be drawn into an interview on the venture, just saying, “We are still young, we are still setting up, but you can be sure we will talk soon.”

In the latest raid, CCTV sealed a deal with popular and highly creative Business Editor Terryanne Chebet of Citizen TV.

Chebet previously worked as the Nairobi Tourism correspondent for South Africa’s CNBC.

“I assure you that Chebet has joined CCTV. She really understands business news and we all hope she can keep doing the good job she has been doing in Citizen,” a source said.

In recent months, China Central TV has made audacious raids on Kenyan top channels, notably hiring Beatrice Marshal (former new anchor of KTN), Robert Soi (former sports editor at KTN), Newton Ndebu from Kenya Television Network and Penninah Karibe (former anchor at NTV), Mark Masai (former anchor at NTV) and Jane Kioo (chief reporter at NTV).

In addition, it also lured Ken Mijungu, Carole Gatura and Koffa Mrenje from K24.  

Along with Chebet, Jemimah Mungai and top studio technical operator Stephen Mucheru, cameramen Michael Kinja, and Karuri Nyaga as well as video editor Beatrice Motabori are joining the Chinese.

All the stations apparently lost a large number of technical and camera crew to the CCTV.

Xinhua CNC TV, CCTV and Qatar-funded Al Jazeera broadcasters are recruiting staff members in a major expansion offensive that has upset the operations of some of Kenya's leading media outlets.

The Chinese TV is targeting 200 journalist, cameramen, producers and technicians across the East African region.

Al-Jazeera is starting a satellite Swahili channel to be based in Nairobi and whose audience is Swahili-Speaking east Africa, while CCTV is seeking to expand its operations.