Veteran journalist Zubeidah Kananu Koome has officially left KTN after an 18-year run at the station.

In her farewell message on Thursday, September 25, 2025, she revealed she was stepping into a new phase of her career.

Zubeidah expressed gratitude to Standard Group Limited, the broadcaster’s parent company, noting that her nearly two decades there had given her priceless industry experience.

“After 18 incredible years at Standard Group PLC, a chapter that has shaped my journey as a journalist, news anchor, and editor, I am stepping into a new season.

“These years have been filled with lessons, growth, challenges, and friendships I will forever treasure. I am deeply grateful to colleagues, mentors, and friends who have walked this path with me,” she wrote.

Without specifically revealing her next chapter, Zubeida revealed that she will be fully concentrating on her role as president of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG).

“While I close this chapter, my commitment to journalism and to serving our fraternity through the Kenya Editors Guild remains stronger than ever. The story continues, and together, we will keep shaping the future of media. Here’s to new beginnings, to resilience, and to purpose,” she added.

Koome kicked off her journalism journey in 2007 as a three-month intern at KTN. She was later offered a one-year contract and, by 2009, secured a permanent position at the station.

Her career progressed steadily — starting out as a reporter before rising to senior reporter, political editor, and news anchor.

In 2012, she took on the role of Political Editor while also becoming one of the lead Swahili anchors for KTN Leo. Over time, she created and hosted several flagship current affairs shows, among them Jukwaa la KTN, Dira ya Wiki, and Kioo cha Hoja.

Her influence went beyond the newsroom, taking up leadership roles within the media space. In 2023, she broke new ground as the first female journalist elected President of the KEG.

Two years later, she retained the position, though she had to sweat for it in the elections, given that she was going against Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, her main contender. Koome bagged 72 votes against Okwara’s 58.

Zubeida in 2022 had her milestones, including moderating the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial and deputy presidential debate series, where she went viral for the heated exchange between her and Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja.