Bio Summary

Zubeidah Kananu is an accomplished Kenyan broadcast journalist, news anchor, and program editor with over 18 years of experience in media leadership, editorial strategy, and public-interest journalism. She currently serves as President of the Kenya Editors Guild—the first woman to hold this role—and is a Senior Editor and Anchor at KTN News, Standard Group PLC.

Professional

I’m Zubeidah Kananu—a journalist, media leader, and advocate for free, ethical, and people-driven journalism. Over the past 18 years, I’ve built a career grounded in integrity, curiosity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling.

Currently, I serve as President of the Kenya Editors Guild, a national body championing editorial excellence, press freedom, and journalist welfare. I’m also a Senior Editor, Program Editor, and Prime-Time Anchor at KTN News, where I lead news production, on-air delivery, and editorial mentorship.

My career began in 2007 when I joined KTN as an intern—driven, eager, and determined to be a voice that matters. I was retained after my internship and steadily rose through the ranks, holding various editorial positions while anchoring news and leading teams behind the scenes.

Throughout the years, I have reported from the frontlines of Kenya’s most defining political and social events—including general elections, constitutional referendums, and state funerals. I have moderated nationally televised debates and hosted governance-focused shows that give voice to ordinary Kenyans. My interviews with global and regional leaders—among them President William Ruto, President Yoweri Museveni, Jakaya Kikwete, Salva Kiir, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Kenneth Kaunda—have shaped important public conversations on leadership and policy.

As a content creator and editorial strategist, I’ve also led the development of Kenya’s first Climate Change Reporting Manual, now hosted at Daystar University. I’ve trained and mentored journalists across Kenya, Somalia, and the region—equipping them with skills in ethical reporting, digital storytelling, and AI-driven newsroom innovation.

My educational foundation includes a Master’s in Governance, Peace and Security, a Bachelor’s in Peace and Conflict Studies, and a Diploma in Journalism. I’m also fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Kenyan Sign Language.

Quote / Motto

“Voice with purpose. Journalism with integrity. Leadership for justice.”

Career Journey Snapshot

“From school assemblies to national newsrooms—mine has been a journey of passion, purpose, and resilience.”

My love for storytelling started in school, where I read news during assemblies and led journalism clubs. That passion led me to a national platform, and eventually into leadership roles within Kenya’s media ecosystem.

At KTN, I have worked as:

• Reporter & Field Correspondent
• News Anchor & Prime-Time Host
• Political Editor & Content Strategist
• Program Editor & Team Leader

I’ve developed news formats, nurtured young talent, and delivered award-winning coverage on topics ranging from governance and gender-based violence to climate change, science, and civic rights.

Leadership in Media & Policy

As President of the Kenya Editors Guild

• Spearheaded collaborations with UNDP, UNICEF, Amnesty International, and leading tech firms like Meta and Google.
• Championed safety and welfare for journalists across Kenya and the region.
• Engaged governments, universities, and media executives to professionalise newsrooms.
• Represented Kenyan media in global conversations on AI, digital transformation, and media regulation.
• Convened key national events on press freedom and climate journalism during the Africa Climate Summit.

What Drives Me

I am deeply committed to journalism that serves the public good, holds power to account, and gives voice to the voiceless. My mission is to ensure the next generation of journalists is well-equipped, ethical, and fearless.