Standard Group’s Kananu Secures Second Term as Kenya Editors Guild President

Standard Group journalist Zubeidah Kananu has been re-elected to serve a second term as President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), defeating Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara in a closely contested race.

Kananu secured victory with 72 votes against Okwara’s 58 votes during the guild’s elections held on Saturday, cementing her leadership position in Kenya’s premier editors’ organization.

The re-elected president will be deputized by Francis Openda from Radio Africa Group, who was elected unopposed to the deputy president position.

In her victory speech, Kananu emphasized continuity and unity, pledging to build on the achievements of her first term while maintaining the guild’s core values of courage, inclusivity, and dedication to press freedom.

“Over the past term, we have journeyed together through both challenges and triumphs—raising our voices to defend press freedom, promote ethical journalism, and champion the welfare and safety of our colleagues,” Kananu stated, acknowledging the collective efforts of guild members.

The Standard Group journalist, who also serves as a KTN news anchor, promised to work collaboratively with all members regardless of their media house affiliations or backgrounds, reinforcing that unity remains the organization’s greatest asset.

Zubeidah Kananu.

Several other executive positions were filled during the elections, with some going unopposed while others saw competitive races.

Nation Media Group’s Kenfrey Kiberenge secured the Online category position unopposed, alongside Linda Bach of People Daily for Print and Millicent Awuor of KBC for Television.

The Radio category witnessed a competitive contest where KBC’s Agnes Mwangangi defeated incumbent Toepista Nabusoba. In academia, Dr. Julius Bosire from the Technical University of Kenya prevailed over Daystar University’s Nathan Masambu.

The three trustee positions were filled unopposed by Ruth Nesoba, Martin Masai, and Ng’ang’a Mbugua.

In a gracious concession, Okwara accepted the election outcome while reaffirming her commitment to the journalism profession.

Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara

“I concede the election for President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, with a full heart and with deep respect for the democratic will of the membership,” she stated, pledging continued support for editorial independence and professional integrity.

The guild also approved the establishment of a Constitutional Review Committee during a Special General Meeting.

The nine-member committee, chaired by Nation Media Group’s Public Editor Pamella Sittoni, will collect and consolidate member proposals for constitutional amendments.

Kananu’s re-election represents continuity in leadership for KEG as it continues advocating for press freedom, ethical journalism standards, and the welfare of media practitioners across Kenya’s diverse media landscape.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​