Nairobi, Kenya — Celebrated news anchor Zubeidah Kananu has officially ended her 18-year journey with Standard Media Group, closing a defining chapter in her career at the Mombasa Road-based media house.
The award-winning journalist announced her departure on Thursday, September 25, 2025, describing her time at Standard as a period of growth, challenges, and enduring friendships.
“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,” she wrote in her farewell message.
A New Beginning
While stepping away from the newsroom, Zubeidah reaffirmed her commitment to her role as President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) — a position she retained in May 2025 after defeating Yvonne Okwara in a closely contested election.
“This transition marks the beginning of a new phase for me,” she noted. “But my dedication to the Kenya Editors Guild and to our collective mission remains steadfast. 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.”
She also hinted at upcoming engagements, including KEG’s Annual Editors’ Convention in Kilifi this November, expressing optimism about the road ahead.
Tributes From Peers and Fans
Following her announcement, colleagues and industry peers celebrated her professionalism, mentorship, and warmth. Social media was awash with tributes, with many describing her as one of Kenya’s most respected journalists.
Reflecting on KTN News Legacy
Zubeidah also looked back on a milestone moment in her career — the launch of KTN News on July 11, 2015. She recalled being called just hours before the event and making history as the anchor of the station’s very first bulletin.
At the time, critics dismissed the channel as having only “three viewers — their family members.” Yet nine years later, KTN News had risen to become one of Kenya’s most influential broadcasters.
“KTN News will forever be dear to me, our baby, the platform that made me who I am today,” she wrote. “I’ll forever be grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to witness history being written and for being part of the amazing team that wrote that history.”
