A new report by the Association of Women in Media Kenya (AMWIK) has revealed deep-rooted challenges facing women journalists in the country, highlighting high attrition rates and limited opportunities for career growth in the media industry.
The inaugural State of Women in Media in Kenya 2026 report, launched during the 2026 Women Media in Kenya Conference under the theme Resilient Professionals and Sustainable Futures, paints a troubling picture of a “leaky pipeline” where many women leave the profession long before reaching senior leadership positions.
According to the findings, while young women dominate newsroom spaces, very few transition into long-term careers. Only 7.4 per cent of women journalists are above the age of 45, while just 13.2 per cent have more than 15 years of industry experience.
The report attributes this trend to systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s professional advancement. A majority of respondents cited serious security concerns, including inadequate protection during field assignments, especially when covering sensitive stories.
Sexual harassment and assault were also identified as major workplace challenges, with many women journalists saying they feel unsafe reporting on high-stakes events such as elections.
To address these issues, AMWIK is calling for the mandatory enforcement of gender policies in media houses, stronger legal protections, and robust mechanisms for responding to harassment cases to create safer and more inclusive newsrooms.