Zubeidah Kananu leaves Standard Group after nearly two decades.
Veteran journalist Zubeidah Kananu has ended her 18-year journey with Standard Group PLC. In a farewell letter to Kenya Editors Guild members on Thursday, September 25, she described her time at the media house as a period of growth, challenges, and valuable friendships.
“This transition marks the beginning of a new phase for me, but my dedication to the Kenya Editors Guild and our collective mission remains steadfast,” she wrote.
Kananu said she remains committed to defending press freedom, mentoring young journalists, and leading KEG’s activities, including the upcoming Annual Editors’ Convention in Kilifi this November.
Kananu first joined KTN in 2007 as an intern during the tense post-election crisis. Her performance secured her a longer contract, and by 2009, she was formally employed. Over the years, she rose through the newsroom ranks, becoming a respected Swahili news anchor and content producer.
She hosted popular shows such as Jukwaa la KTN, Dira ya Wiki, and Kioo cha Hoja, where she interviewed prominent local and international figures. Despite multiple staff cuts and company restructuring, she remained a constant presence in KTN’s newsroom.
Beyond her newsroom work, Kananu built a strong profile as a media leader. In May 2025, she was re-elected as President of the Kenya Editors Guild after defeating Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara with 72 votes against 58. She has since steered the Guild with a focus on ethical journalism and industry reforms.
Kananu emphasised that leaving Standard Group does not affect her KEG responsibilities, saying she intends to strengthen the Guild’s role even further.
Born in Meru County, Kananu studied at Kaaga Primary and later Ruiri Girls’ High School, where she was active in debates. In 2002, she moved to Nairobi to pursue higher education, first joining the Kenya School of Professional Studies, then training in media at Shang Tao Media Arts College. She later pursued a degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at Africa Nazarene University.
Away from the newsroom, Kananu is a wife and mother. She married Kevin Koome in 2009, and the couple has two children.
