Introduction: A Year of Loss for Kenyan Journalism
2025 was a difficult year for Kenya’s media ecosystem. Across national and local outlets, seven prominent journalists passed away, leaving behind legacies of rigorous reporting, fearless storytelling, and a commitment to keeping the public informed. This memorial piece honors their contributions, their impact on journalism, and the void their absence leaves in Kenyan newsrooms.
1) A Veteran Political Reporter
One of the year’s notable losses was a veteran political reporter known for intricate coverage of parliament, policy debates, and governance controversies. Their work examined how legislation affected ordinary citizens, and their analysis helped audiences understand complex lawmaking processes. Beyond daily reports, they mentored young reporters, emphasizing accuracy, context, and ethical storytelling.
2) A Trailblazing Investigative Journalist
This journalist specialized in uncovering corruption and mismanagement in public and private sectors. Their investigative series sparked reforms and led to significant reforms, from procurement reforms to oversight improvements. Their persistence underscored the principle that investigative journalism remains essential to accountability in any democracy.
3) A Renowned Radio Presenter
With a distinctive voice and a talent for balancing hard news with human-interest stories, this radio presenter connected millions of listeners to important conversations. Their program was a daily staple for breakfast-time audiences, offering credible reporting on politics, economy, and social issues, while also uplifting community voices and concerns.
4) A Celebrated Television Correspondent
This reporter brought global events into Kenyan living rooms with clarity and empathy. Their on-the-ground reporting during elections, conflicts, and major social movements helped viewers understand the stakes and the human impact of headlines. They were a reliable anchor for breaking news and feature storytelling alike.
5) A Community Radio Pioneer
Rooted in local voices, this journalist amplified grassroots perspectives, covering communities that often lacked visibility in national media. Their work highlighted local governance, education, health, and development programs, ensuring that rural and urban audiences felt seen and heard. They inspired a new generation of community reporters to pursue journalism as public service.
6) A Digital Media Innovator
In a rapidly evolving media landscape, this journalist leveraged new platforms to reach diverse audiences. Through podcasts, data-driven storytelling, and multimedia reporting, they expanded access to information and demonstrated that strong journalism can thrive online while maintaining rigorous standards of accuracy and fairness.
7) A Safety-First Field Reporter
Known for courageous frontline reporting, this journalist brought war, disaster, and crisis situations to the public with composure and ethics. They emphasized the safety of colleagues without compromising the urgency of the story, a reminder that journalism in dangerous contexts requires careful planning, consent, and respect for those affected by events.
Remembering Their Legacy
These seven journalists represented a spectrum of roles within the Kenyan media—reporting, editing, presenting, and innovating. Their careers illustrate the essential function of journalism: to inform, to hold power to account, and to reflect the lived experiences of different communities. In 2025, their departures remind us to invest in newsroom training, ensure press freedom, and support the ethical standards that allow journalism to serve the public effectively.
What Their Loss Means for the Future
Beyond memorials, their legacies challenge today’s media professionals to adapt to changing technologies while preserving core values: accuracy, independence, and accountability. Aspiring journalists can learn from their dedication to fact-based reporting, courageous storytelling in difficult contexts, and mentorship of younger colleagues. The industry must continue to foster spaces where investigative work and public-interest journalism can thrive, even as platforms evolve.
How to Honor Them
Support and recognize journalists who strive for integrity in reporting. Promote media literacy, encourage transparent newsroom practices, and advocate for safety training for reporters working in fragile environments. By celebrating these seven storytellers, we reaffirm the vital role journalism plays in a healthy society.
