Long-serving KTN anchor and Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeidah Kananu has officially exited the Standard Group PLC, bringing to a close an 18-year career at the Mombasa Road-based media house.
In a farewell letter addressed to KEG members on Thursday, September 25, Kananu announced her departure while reaffirming her continued commitment to the Guild’s mission and leadership.
“I would like to personally share with you that after 18 fulfilling years of service at Standard Group PLC, I have reached the end of that chapter in my professional journey. Those years were filled with growth, learning, challenges, and friendships that have shaped the person and journalist I am today. This transition marks the beginning of a new phase for me, but my dedication to the Kenya Editors Guild and to our collective mission remains steadfast,” she said.
“I am fully committed to continuing the work we have begun together — strengthening ethical journalism, protecting press freedom, and nurturing the next generation of media leaders. Thank you for walking this journey with me, and for the support you continue to show. I look forward to building even greater impact with you as we prepare for our Annual Editors’ Convention in Kilifi this November and beyond.”
Zubeidah Kananu at Standard Group
Kananu joined Standard Group’s KTN in 2007 as an intern. Her initial three-month stint began at a time of national crisis following the disputed presidential elections. Despite the short-term nature of her role, her performance earned her a one-year contract through 2008, followed by formal employment in 2009.
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Over the years, she held various roles, eventually becoming a prime-time Swahili news anchor and content producer. She has worked on shows such as Jukwaa la KTN, Dira ya Wiki, and Kioo cha Hoja, and has interviewed numerous high-profile guests, including national leaders and international figures.
Kananu successfully navigated major transitions and structural changes within the media house, including several rounds of staff rationalizations, remaining a key figure in the KTN newsroom for nearly two decades.
Leadership in media
In May 2025, she was re-elected as the President of the Kenya Editors Guild, defeating fellow journalist Yvonne Okwara of Citizen TV with 72 votes to 58. Okwara later conceded defeat.
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Kananu has since continued to serve in that capacity and confirmed that her exit from Standard Group would not affect her responsibilities within the Guild.
The journalist was born in Meru County and attended Kaaga Primary School. She proceeded to Ruiri Girls High School, where she was actively involved in the Debates Club.
After high school, she relocated to Nairobi in 2002 and joined Kenya School of Professional Studies (KSPS) in Parklands. She later studied media and broadcasting at Shang Tao Media Arts College. She also pursued higher education at Africa Nazarene University, where she majored in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies.
Zubeidah got married to Kevin Koome in 2009. The couple has two children.
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