Zubeida Kananu, a familiar face to many Kenyans as a KTN News anchor, has been re-elected president of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG). Her win secures her a second and final two-year term at the helm of the country’s leading editors’ body.
“I’m deeply honoured by the trust my colleagues have placed in me once again,” Kananu told reporters shortly after the results were announced. “There’s still work to be done.”
The election was held under the KEG Constitution adopted in 2023, with guidelines from its latest electoral policy published in March this year.
Kananu’s re-election comes on the back of what many in the media fraternity see as a successful first term. During her tenure, the Guild won a critical court case that protected independent media from being sidelined in public advertising. She also oversaw the settlement of long-standing debts and helped stabilise the Guild’s finances.
“She brought in calm and structure when things were rocky,” said one KEG member who voted in the election.
But it wasn’t just about numbers and policies. Under Kananu’s leadership, the Guild also signed new agreements aimed at strengthening ethical journalism and training. She now hopes to complete ongoing policies focused on sexual harassment and the treatment of journalists who die while on duty. Journalist safety—amid growing threats both online and offline—remains one of her top concerns.
“If we don’t protect the people who bring us the news, we risk losing the truth,” she said.
Francis Openda was elected as deputy president. His win was uncontested, as were those of several other officials, including Millicent Awuor (Television), Linda Bach (Print), and Kenfrey Kiberenge (Digital/Online). Julius Bosire (Academia) and Agnes Mwangangi (Radio) were also elected following votes cast by Guild members.
The race for the presidency was the most hotly contested, with members turning out in large numbers.
While some critics argue the Guild needs to do more to hold media owners accountable and push for better wages, Kananu said she sees her final term as a chance to continue building trust and defending press freedom.
“It’s not about titles. It’s about the people. The reporters, the editors, and every voice that keeps our democracy alive,” she said.
