Kathleen Openda Mvati is a former Kenya Television Network (KTN) journalist who has worked as a communications consultant for more than 20 years.
While at KTN, Openda hosted several programs including ‘The Breakfast Show’, the ‘Third Opinion’ and the ‘Enterprise Kenya’.
Over the years, Openda has held various positions including becoming the Head of Corporate Affairs for Barclays Bank Kenya and Nation Media Group.
In 2010, Openda also served as the Director of Communications at the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).
Later, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) appointed her as a member of the Broadcasting Content Advisory Council (BCAB).
Openda’s Education and Scholarships.
Openda graduated from the University of Nairobi and the University of Wales Cardiff’s Broadcast Journalism Unit under the Thompson Foundation.
Moreover, the ex-KTN-journalist was a beneficiary of the Eisenhower Fellowships.
The Fellowship exists to “inspire leaders around the world to challenge themselves, to envision how they can effect positive change,” the fellowship notes.
Eisenhower praised Openda for her many achievements including being the narrator of An African Answer, a documentary done by Initiative of Change and shot in Kenya.
The documentary, which shows the process of reconciliation after the post-election violence, was widely viewed reaching a global audience.
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At the same time, Openda was also a beneficiary of the United Kingdom (UK) based Chevening Scholarship.
Kathleen Appointment to the KIMC Council
In August 2018, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Kathleen Openda to the council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication – KIMC as its chairperson.
The Institute domiciled in Nairobi’s South B, was established in 1961 and was named as the then Voice of Kenya Training School.
KIMC produced veteran and current crop of journalists and media professionals in Kenya. Some of these names include the Late Catherine Kasavuli, Dennis Itumbi, Dennis Onsarigo, Dennis Okari, Joe Ageyo, Akisa Wandera, Zainab Ismail, Mwanahamisi Hamadi, Paul Nabiswa, Shisia Wasilwa, Mzaiz Willy M Tuva etc.
Openda was the director in charge of communication and media at the secretariat which ran Opposition Leader Raila Odinga’s 2017 election campaigns.
Moreover, she was appointed alongside former Nation CEO Linus Gitai who was selected as a non-executive Chairperson of the Brand Kenya Board.
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Ruto Revokes the Appointment of Openda
Openda served as the chairperson of the Council of the KIMC until September 29, when President William Ruto revoked her appointment.
Through a Gazette Notice, Ruto replaced Openda with former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino, a career uniformed officer who unsuccessfully joined politics in 2022.
