A recent report reveals that women occupy merely 2.8 percent of media management positions and 3.7 percent of editorial leadership roles in Kenya, highlighting a significant gender disparity.
The State of Women in Media Report 2025–26, published by the Association of Media Women in Kenya (Amwik), indicates that this trend has driven numerous women away from newsrooms, thereby undermining the profession’s strength.
The document presents a concerning depiction of an industry where men dominate over 95 percent of media ownership, effectively excluding women from influential decision-making positions.
AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori noted that the findings uncover profound structural challenges extending beyond mere representation to impact journalism’s quality and inclusiveness.
Regarding media management, we’re dealing with remarkably low figures2.8 percent. Conversely, this indicates that men control more than 95 percent of media ownership in this nation. This deprives us of a well-rounded viewpoint and the capacity to better serve the country,” she stated.
She emphasized that women’s representation in editorial leadership is equally constrained at merely 3.7 percent, a disparity that continues to influence newsroom priorities and story narratives.
Although there has been a modest rise in women leaders within media organizations since 2022, only one traditional media outlet, KBC, currently has a woman in charge. Other notable examples include Tuko Media, Willow Health, and Defrontera.
The report also identifies concerning patterns of women leaving the profession prematurely, with numerous finding insufficient support in newsrooms after reaching the age of 35.
This professional departure is resulting in a depletion of institutional knowledge and accumulated expertise.
This deficiency is already apparent as the 2027 elections approach. The report indicates that approximately 70 percent of journalists slated to cover these electoral events have never previously reported on an election.
This presents both challenges and possibilities,” Mbori explained. “A challenge because we must quickly prepare newcomers with the necessary skills for responsible election coverage, but also an opportunity to transform how election journalism is conducted.
Radio Africa Group Digital Editor Francis Mureithi encouraged women in news environments to broaden their range of professional competencies.
I frequently assert that artificial intelligence represents the most significant advancement in newsrooms. Possessing a versatile skill set enhances your prospects of securing employment, both within and beyond journalism, while also minimizing the risk of becoming obsolete,” he remarked.
Mbori stated that without targeted measures, the combination of limited experience and escalating political tensions could place journalistsparticularly womenat greater risk.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Senior Project Manager Judy Kaberia reported that young women are progressively abandoning newsrooms because of career stagnation, restricted advancement opportunities, and marginalization from significant assignments.
The current environment for women in media remains quite unfavorable. Young women are departing not due to age but because of the obstacles they encounterinadequate promotion opportunities and denial of crucial responsibilities,” she explained.
She advocated for continuous investment in mentorship programs, innovative approaches, and professional growth initiatives to support women’s retention and advancement in the field.
As elections draw near, we bear responsibility as development partners to bolster the media through training initiatives, dissemination of insights from previous electoral experiences, and ensuring journalists are adequately prepared for the prevailing political environment,” Kaberia stated.
The report identifies safety concerns as a substantial impediment. Female journalists persistently encounter sexual harassment, physical assaults, and online harassment, dangers that typically escalate during electoral periods.
Women face heightened vulnerability. We need to enhance their safety preparations while also providing general support to all journalists,” Kaberia emphasized.
The report additionally underscores gender-specific difficulties within news organizations, including technology-enabled gender-based violence and mental health burdens, which impact women disproportionately.
Mbori indicated that the report aims to establish a foundation to guide policy formulation and promote accountability throughout the industry.
This document is not meant to gather dust on shelves. It should direct meaningful interventions and assist in fostering a conducive atmosphere for women journalists,” she emphasized.
These results were presented at the AMWIK media conference, which assembled journalists, editors, and stakeholders to map out future directions. The organization intends to monitor advancements yearly and implement assessment systems to ensure industry participants fulfill their responsibilities.
AMWIK also acknowledged pioneering women in media, highlighting those who have achieved excellence despite facing institutional obstacles.
Nevertheless, stakeholders concur that without immediate reforms encompassing leadership diversity, equitable compensation, safety provisions, and training programs, the industry stands to lose additional female professionals and compromise its capacity to provide objective, trustworthy journalism during a pivotal political period.