Faith Kutere Lands Top Editorial Job in Rwanda, Set to Pioneer Swahili News at EAMG Radio

By Wasike Elvis

 Veteran Kenyan journalist Faith Kutere has taken a major step in her media career after joining East Africa Media Group (EAMG) Radio in Kigali, Rwanda, as the organisation's Editorial Lead.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for the award-winning broadcast journalist, who has steadily risen through the ranks over the past decade—from community radio in rural Kenya to one of the region's emerging cross-border media platforms.

At EAMG Radio, Kutere has been tasked with leading the station's editorial operations while spearheading the development of Swahili-language news programming in Rwanda. The move comes as media organisations across East Africa continue investing in regional content aimed at connecting audiences beyond national borders.

Announcing the new chapter on July 15, Kutere described the opportunity as both professionally fulfilling and personally meaningful, saying it allows her to contribute to a platform focused on strengthening regional integration through journalism.

"EAMG Radio is my new home! I am privileged to pioneer a radio station and Swahili News in Rwanda. This is an opportunity for me to contribute to a platform that connects communities, amplifies voices and brings East Africa closer," she wrote on social media.

A Journey That Began in Mt Elgon

Kutere's rise to regional media leadership has been built on years of dedication, resilience and experience across community, commercial and national media.

Her journalism career began in 2016 at BK Radio in Kapsokwony, Mt Elgon Sub-County, where she developed her skills in community journalism. Working at a grassroots station, she reported on local issues affecting residents while learning the fundamentals of news gathering, storytelling and radio production.

The experience laid the foundation for a career defined by public-interest journalism and storytelling that gives voice to ordinary people.

Just a year later, in 2017, Kutere became part of the pioneering team that launched Mitume Radio, a station owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kitale.

As one of the station's founding journalists, she helped establish newsroom operations, developed programming and created content that resonated with listeners across western Kenya.

The role not only sharpened her editorial skills but also introduced her to the challenges and opportunities involved in building a media outlet from the ground up—experience that now aligns closely with her latest assignment in Rwanda.

Growth Beyond Community Radio

Kutere's growing reputation soon attracted attention beyond the region.

In 2018, she joined Kalya Radio in West Pokot County, where she continued to expand her experience in broadcast journalism while covering stories from one of Kenya's most dynamic counties.

Her work at the station strengthened her reporting skills and prepared her for the transition to national media.

Joining Standard Media Group

A defining moment in Kutere's career came in July 2019, when she joined Radio Maisha, part of Standard Media Group, as a correspondent.

Her recruitment coincided with the media house's convergence strategy, an initiative that integrated radio, television, print and digital newsrooms to enhance multimedia journalism.

The move gave Kutere the opportunity to report across multiple platforms, significantly broadening her professional experience.

During her years at Standard Media Group, she covered a wide range of stories, including politics, governance, healthcare, social issues and human-interest features.

She became particularly known for reporting on healthcare, highlighting challenges faced by patients, healthcare workers and communities while drawing attention to broader public health concerns.

Her storytelling consistently focused on the experiences of ordinary citizens, making complex national issues accessible and relatable to audiences.

Rising Through the Newsroom

Kutere's commitment to quality journalism earned her a promotion in 2023 to the position of News Producer and News Anchor at Radio Maisha.

In the role, she was responsible for producing news bulletins, coordinating editorial content, mentoring newsroom teams and presenting major news broadcasts.

She played a key role in ensuring editorial accuracy while maintaining the high journalistic standards expected of one of Kenya's leading media houses.

Before leaving Standard Media Group, Kutere also hosted Kenya Leo, a political affairs programme that examined governance, leadership and national issues.

The programme became a platform for informed discussions on public policy, current affairs and political developments, engaging audiences on matters shaping Kenya's future.

A Regional Assignment

Her appointment at East Africa Media Group Radio now places her at the centre of one of the region's growing media initiatives.

As Editorial Lead, Kutere is expected to oversee editorial strategy, guide newsroom operations and help build a strong Swahili-language news service targeting audiences across Rwanda and the wider East African region.

The role also mirrors some of her earliest experiences in media, once again giving her the opportunity to pioneer a newsroom—this time on a regional stage.

Industry observers say the growing demand for regional news coverage has created new opportunities for experienced journalists capable of producing content that transcends borders and reflects the shared social, political and economic interests of East Africans.

Looking Ahead

For Kutere, the move represents more than a promotion.

It is the culmination of nearly a decade of continuous growth—from a young community radio reporter in Mt Elgon to a newsroom leader entrusted with helping shape the future of regional broadcasting.

Her journey reflects the evolving landscape of East African journalism, where multilingual reporting, digital innovation and cross-border storytelling are increasingly becoming central to newsroom strategies.

As she begins her new role in Kigali, Kutere says she hopes to use journalism to connect communities, amplify diverse voices and strengthen regional conversations through credible, impactful storytelling.

Her appointment is expected to add to the growing list of Kenyan journalists taking up influential editorial positions across East Africa, reinforcing the region's increasingly integrated media landscape.