Jeff Koinange is one of Kenya’s most prominent media personalities and a respected figure in international journalism. Born Jeff Mwaūra Koinange MBS on 7 January 1966, he was primarily raised by his mother after losing his father at the age of two. Koinange is also a grandson of the renowned Koinange Wa Mbiyu, a notable figure in Kenya’s history.
Education and Early Career
Koinange attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi for his primary and secondary education before pursuing higher studies in the United States. Between 1987 and 1989, he studied at Kingsborough Community College, earning an associate degree in broadcast technology and management. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from New York University.
Before fully venturing into journalism, Koinange worked as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways. His early reporting career included roles at ABC News and NBC News, followed by a significant period at Reuters Television, where he covered African stories and served as chief producer.
International Breakthrough
Koinange’s global recognition came during his tenure at CNN as Africa correspondent from 2001 to 2007. He reported on major humanitarian crises, including civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Darfur conflict, and famine in Niger. His work earned him an Emmy Award, making him the first African journalist to receive the honor for his coverage of the Niger famine. He also received the George Foster Peabody Award in 2006 for reporting on Hurricane Katrina in the U.S.
His time at CNN ended in May 2007 following controversy over a report on Nigeria’s Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which the Nigerian government claimed was staged.
Return to Kenya and Local Impact
After leaving CNN, Koinange returned to Kenya and joined K24 as a news anchor and host of the Capital Talk Show, which later evolved into The Bench. He also worked at Arise Television in Johannesburg before returning to Kenya in 2013 to launch Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) on KTN. Since February 2017, he has hosted JKL on Citizen TV, focusing on politics and current affairs, alongside a morning show on HOT 96 radio.
Autobiography and Personal Insights
In 2014, Koinange published his memoir, Through My African Eyes, detailing his upbringing, educational journey, and rise in international journalism. The book provides personal insights into his experiences, challenges, and accomplishments.
Recent Absence
Despite his enduring presence in Kenyan media, Koinange has been notably absent from both television and radio since August 2025. No public explanation has been given for this hiatus, leaving fans and colleagues anticipating news of his potential return.
