Zubeidah Kananu, the incumbent president of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), is set to defend her position in a closely watched election on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at Daystar University, Valley Road Campus in Nairobi. Kananu, a veteran journalist and KTN News anchor, will face off against fellow broadcaster and media executive Yvonne Okwara in a contest that could shape the future of editorial leadership in Kenya.
Kananu was first elected to the Guild’s presidency in April 2023, taking over from former Nation Media editor Churchill Otieno. Her leadership has been characterised by a vocal defence of press freedom, institutional strengthening of the Guild, and efforts to safeguard journalistic integrity amidst a challenging media landscape.
The 2025 KEG elections come at a pivotal time for the country’s media, which continues to grapple with political interference, declining revenues, and digital disruption. The new office bearers will be expected to provide direction and shield journalists from increasing threats to their independence and safety.
While the presidency remains hotly contested, three candidates have been declared elected unopposed. They include:
- Francis Openda for Vice President
- Linda Bach for Member (Print Media)
- Kenfrey Kiberenge for Member (Online Media)
Other positions are also up for grabs, with nominees drawn from across Kenya’s diverse media landscape:
- Member (Television): Millicent Awuor
- Member (Radio): Toepista Nabusoba and Agnes Mwangangi
- Member (Academia): Nathan Nayere Masambu and Dr Julius Ombui Bosire
- Trustees: Martin Masai, Ruth Nesoba, and Mbugua Ng’ang’a
Campaigning, according to the Guild’s election guidelines, is already under way and will run until midnight on Friday, 11 April. All candidates have been urged to adhere to the Elections Code of Ethics. The Returning Officer, Advocate Sophie Kaibiria, has vetted and approved all nominations, which were submitted in line with the KEG Constitution of 2023 and the Elections Policy Guidelines issued in March 2025.
The upcoming elections are not just a leadership transition — they signal a broader reckoning for the Kenyan media. As legacy institutions fight to remain relevant and new platforms redefine news consumption, the Guild’s next leaders will be tasked with ensuring that ethics, quality journalism, and editorial independence are not sacrificed in the face of commercial or political pressures.
Both Kananu and Okwara are expected to present their reform agendas this week, outlining their plans to strengthen the Guild, defend media freedoms, and reposition the profession amid Kenya’s shifting socio-political terrain.
