Full Name: Jeff Mwaura Koinange
Date of Birth: January 7, 1966
Place of Birth: Kenya ( Kiambaa in Kiambu County)
Nationality: Kenyan
Profession: Journalist, TV and Radio Presenter, Author
Early Life and Education
Jeff Koinange was raised primarily by his mother after his father passed away when Jeff was only two years old. He attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi for his primary and secondary education. Later, he moved to the United States for further studies. He studied broadcast journalism at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York, and later earned a degree from New York University (NYU).
Career
Jeff’s journalism career has been impressive both locally and internationally:
Early Career:
He started as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways before fully venturing into journalism.
CNN (2001 – 2007):
Jeff rose to international fame as CNN’s Africa correspondent. He covered major stories across the continent, including conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan (Darfur). His work was known for its depth and dramatic storytelling.
KTN and K24 (Kenya):
After leaving CNN, Jeff worked with K24 TV in Kenya, where he hosted The Bench, a popular interview show.
Citizen TV:
Jeff currently hosts Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), a popular political and current affairs talk show on Citizen TV.
Hot 96 FM:
Besides TV, Jeff is also a radio host at Hot 96 FM, co-hosting the morning show with comedian Prof. Hamo (previously) and later Nick Odhiambo.
Awards and Recognition
Jeff is the first African to win an Emmy Award for his coverage of the famine in Niger (CNN).
He has also received a Peabody Award and several other recognitions for outstanding journalism.
Books
“Through My African Eyes” (2014) — Jeff’s memoir, where he shares his experiences growing up, working at CNN, and covering Africa’s biggest stories.
Personal Life
Jeff is married to Sharon Koinange, and they have a son. He tends to keep his private life low-key,
