Veteran journalist Zubeidah Kananu Koome has revealed that adjusting to life outside mainstream media has been challenging, especially financially. The former KTN news anchor disclosed that she has had to rethink her spending habits since leaving Standard Media Group after an 18-year career.
Speaking during a recent interview, Zubeidah admitted that she had previously saved small amounts of money, saying, “I used to save KSh 500 na ndio hio imekwama,” meaning that even those savings have since been exhausted.
The journalist left Standard Media Group in September 2025, marking the end of a long and successful chapter in her media career. During her time at KTN, she became one of Kenya’s most recognized Swahili news anchors, hosting popular programmed and interviewing top leaders both locally and internationally.
Despite leaving the newsroom, Zubeidah has remained active in the media industry through her role as President of the Kenya Editors Guild. She was re-elected to lead the organization for another term in May 2025 after defeating veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara-Matole in a closely contested election.
Zubeidah also dismissed claims circulating on social media that she earns a salary from serving as the Kenya Editors Guild president. According to her, the position is largely voluntary and should not be viewed as a source of income. She explained that many people wrongly assume leaders of professional organizations receive large pay packages.
Using her own experience, the former anchor encouraged celebrities and public figures to live within their means and prepare financially for uncertain times. She noted that fame and employment can change unexpectedly, making financial discipline important.
Her remarks have sparked conversations online about financial planning among media personalities and celebrities. Many Kenyans praised her honesty, saying her experience highlights the importance of saving and investing while still employed.
Zubeidah has maintained that although she has left KTN, her commitment to journalism, ethical reporting and press freedom remains strong through her continued leadership at the Kenya Editors Guild.