Kenyan news anchor Victoria Rubadiri has joined CNN's acclaimed series, 'Connecting Africa' and as part of their correspondent in Nairobi.
In an official statement on Tuesday, April 30, CNN International revealed that Rubadiri, formerly a senior anchor and reporter at Citizen TV in Nairobi, will be assuming a role in the series, which explores the growing businesses in Africa and looks into what the African Continental Free Trade Agreement means.
"CNN International has hired Kenyan journalist and anchor Victoria Rubadiri for a new role on its long-running multiplatform series Connecting Africa and as part of the network’s newsgathering operation in Nairobi," CNN stated.
Adding;
"As the series enters its fifth year on CNN International, Rubadiri will join the team telling the stories of emerging and expanding businesses across Africa and exploring the impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Alongside the 30-minute monthly show Connecting Africa, which continues to be hosted by CNN anchor and correspondent Eleni Giokos, content is available across CNN’s digital and social platforms."
"Rubadiri joins CNN from Citizen TV where she was a senior anchor and reporter in the network’s Nairobi headquarters. She also has extensive experience as a radio presenter both in Kenya and the US, where she studied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia. In 2020, Rubadiri was awarded the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award for her exceptional talent in telling African stories," a statement by CNN read in part.
Rubadiri expressed her enthusiasm for joining the network.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to work at CNN and to bring my experience and passion to its global audience," she said.
CNN International's Senior Vice President and Global Head of Features Content, Ellana Lee, hailed Rubadiri's appointment as a testament to CNN's commitment to presenting African narratives authentically.
“Victoria will be a fantastic addition to Connecting Africa, bringing a wealth of expertise and storytelling experience from across the continent," Lee said.
Rubadiri leaves Citizen TV
Rubadiri's departure from Citizen TV was officially announced on Sunday, April 28, by Linus Kaikai, the Group Editorial Director of Royal Media Services (RMS).
"We nicknamed #SundayLive the ‘American Edition’ because this pair rolls Uncle Sam’s tongue just right! Sadly but proudly, Vicky Rubadiri proceeds to her next duty station after 6 years with Citizen TV Kenya," Kaikai said in a post on his X media.
The renowned journalist has worked with RMS for six years.
During her time at Citizen TV, she achieved notable milestones, including winning the prestigious Komla Dumor Award.
This accolade led her to a brief stint in London, where she collaborated with the BBC for three months as part of the award's requirements, undergoing intensive training.
Rubadiri joins a list of prominent journalists who have recently departed from Citizen TV, including Waihiga Mwaura and Francis Gachuri, both of whom also won the Komla Dumor Award.
Mwaura transitioned to a senior news anchor role at the BBC, while Gachuri joined the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
