Kananu Retains KEG Presidency, Defeats Yvonne Okwara in Editors’ Election

Seasoned media personality and KTN news cnhor Zubeida Kananu has retained her position as the President of the Kenya Editors Guild.

She win her second term over Royal Media’s Yvonne Okwara who was vying for the first time for the same position.

Kananu will be deputised by Francis Openda of Radio Africa Group.

­Agnes Mwangangi was elected as Member for Radio, Julius Bosire as member for academia, Mildred Awuor television representative, Linda Bach print representative, while Kenfrey Kiberenge was elected as online/digital representative.

Others were Martin Masai, Ruth Nesoba and Mbugua Ng’ang’a,  who were picked as trustees.

The hotly contested election ended in a 72-58 vote count in favor of Ms. Kananu. She was first elected to the body as Vice President in April 2021.

Kananu appreciated all who believed in her mission after securing a second term as president of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG).

In a statement said her re-election is an endorsement of the values the Guild shares of a stronger and more resilient industry.

“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me by electing me to serve a second term as President of our Guild,” she said.

“This renewed mandate is more than a personal milestone—it is a collective endorsement of the values we uphold and the vision we share for a stronger, more resilient, and independent media industry in Kenya. Thank you for your confidence, your belief in our mission, and your steadfast support.”

Kananu reaffirmed her commitment to continue building on the gains from her first term as KEG president.

She promised to work with all as the Guild’s strength relies on their unity.

“As we begin this new chapter, I reaffirm my commitment to continue building on the progress we’ve made—with courage, inclusivity, and unwavering dedication. I am committed to working with each and every one of you, regardless of our backgrounds, affiliations, or viewpoints, because the strength of this Guild lies in our unity and shared resolve,” she said.

“I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the newly elected council members. I look forward to working closely with each of you as we strive to move the Guild forward.”

The KEG president hailed her main challenger, Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, for running a spirited and dignified campaign, adding that she looks forward to working with her to make KEG better.

“Your participation reflects the strength of our democratic values and the passion we all share for the future of our profession. I count on your continued support, ideas, and engagement as we take this journey forward together,” Kananu said.

In the election, Kananu retained her position after she garnered 72 votes against her closest challenger, Citizen’s Yvonne Okwara who polled 58 votes in the virtual elections held on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The Kenya Editors’ Guild is the professional association for editors in Kenya, including senior print, broadcast and online editors, and scholars of journalism and media studies.

The association and its members have committed themselves to defend and promote media freedom and editorial independence and promote quality and ethical journalism.

They also provide a forum for sharing ideas and experiences that are critical in and for the media.