6 Reasons Citizen TV's Yvonne Okwara Is Seeking To Lead All Kenyan Editors

An epic showdown in Kenyan media beckons in the upcoming Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) elections slated for Saturday, April 12, 2025. While KTN News anchor and editor, Zubeida Koome, is seeking a second successive term as KEG President, Citizen TV's Yvonne Okwara has emerged as a surprise challenger.

Sophia Kaibiria, the Returning Officer, notified members of KEG on Monday, April 7, that Okwara and Kananu joined the list of validly nominated candidates for the upcoming elections, the two setting up a clash of titans that is barely witnessed in the country's top media space.

"The elections, scheduled for 12th April 2025, will determine new leadership across several key positions, including President, Vice President, Council Members, and Trustees," stated KEG in part.

"In an official notice released by the KEG Returning Officer, Advocate Sophie Kaibiria, the nominations have been scrutinised and approved in accordance with the Guild’s Constitution and the KEG Elections Policy Guidelines dated 3rd March 2025."

Graphic of Yvonne Okwara and Zubeida Kananu battling for the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President position. /VIRAL TEA KE

Kananu, the incumbent is seeking re-election. She faces Okwara, a seasoned broadcast journalist and Citizen TV anchor, in what is expected to be a high-stakes contest between two influential voices in Kenyan media.

You might be wondering, what does the Business Editor have up in her sleeve in case she is chosen to take the top KEG seat? Viral Tea obtained her manifesto and explained it:

1. Media Sustainability

Okwara aims to champion models that uphold journalistic integrity while ensuring financial viability. This is all about making sure media organizations—like newspapers, TV stations, digital platforms—can survive and thrive long-term, without selling their soul.

Right now, media houses in Kenya face the task of maintaining the balance between telling the truth (even if one doesn't like it) and making enough money to keep newsrooms running. If media isn’t sustainable, the truth gets sidelined, journalists get exploited, newsrooms shut down, and ultimately, the public loses access to credible information.

2. Innovation & Dialogue

Okwara aims to encourage bold thinking and open conversation within the editor community. It’s a call to push boundaries, challenge old systems, and create a safe space where fresh ideas can thrive.

Her second point comes amidst an evolving news and media ecosystem with digital platforms challenging their mainstream counterparts in relaying information to members of the public in real-time, especially with the growth of internet access in the country and smartphone uptake.

3. Stronger Annual Conventions

What Okwara aims to do is leveling up yearly gatherings to make them more meaningful. "Making them more impactful, relevant, and solutions-driven," the manifesto states.

This would mean less fluff and more substance, focusing on real-world solutions and discussions that actually move the needle for journalists and media houses.

4. Training & Capacity Building

Okwara aims to make sure every member of KEG, regardless of background or seniority, has access to learning opportunities. Whether it’s mastering new tools or understanding evolving media laws, this is about equipping editors for the future of journalism.

5. Bridging Generational Gaps

The renowned journalist is seeking to veteran editors and rising stars together. This would translate to an introduction of younger voices holding editorial positions in newsrooms into the guild, something that has been understood to be lacking in past regimes.

With a mix of young and old, she aims to foster mentorship, mutual learning, and creating a collaborative culture where experience and new energy feed off each other instead of clashing with each other.

6. New Business Models

Okwara aims to rethink how media makes money, at a time when subscriptions, though shunned largely by Kenyans, may not be enough in terms of media houses generate revenue to survive, thrive and scale up.

At a time when influencers and bloggers are being targeted more often for lucrative advertising campaigns, this would be about exploring creative, sustainable revenue streams that keep journalism alive without compromising credibility.

“As your candidate, I’m committed to building a future-ready Guild—one that safeguards editorial integrity while embracing innovation and sustainability,” she states.

Yvonne Okwara at Citizen TV studios. /YVONNE OKWARA

Other candidates

Francis Openda was the sole nominee for the position of Vice President and was therefore declared elected unopposed. Similarly, Linda Bach (Print Media), Kenfrey Kiberenge (Online Media), and Millicent Awuor (Television) all secured their seats as members of the Council after being the only validly nominated candidates in their respective categories.

The Radio category will, however, see a contest between Toepista Nabusoba and Agnes Mwangangi, while the Academia category features Nathan Nayere Masambu and Dr Julius Ombui Bosire.

For the position of Trustees, three candidates—Martin Masai, Ruth Nesoba, and Mbugua Ng’ang’a—were validly nominated and declared elected.

"In line with section 4.3 of the KEG Election Guidelines, the Returning Officer has confirmed that all unopposed candidates (numbers 1 to 5) have been duly elected as members of the Council. The publication of the notice also marks the official commencement of the campaign period, which will run until midnight on 11th April 2025. Candidates have been reminded to adhere strictly to the Elections Code of Ethics during this period," stated KEG.

"As the Guild prepares for one of its most closely watched elections in recent memory, members are encouraged to participate actively and uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and respect that define Kenya’s editorial community."