Kanze Dena facts for kids

Kanze Dena Mararo, also known as Kellen Beatrice Kanze Dena Mararo, is a Kenyan journalist. She is well-known for her work as a Swahili news anchor. Kanze Dena also served as the spokesperson for the President of Kenya and led the President's communication team.

She first wanted to study medicine but later chose to learn about Journalism and Mass Communication. Before working for the President's office, she was a popular news anchor. She reported on important events, political interviews, and entertainment news.

Early Life and Education

Kanze Dena was born to parents from the Duruma community, which is part of the Mijikenda people. Her family first lived in Mazeras in Kwale. She grew up with her mother and five siblings after her parents separated. Kanze lived in different parts of Kenya, including Kwale and Nairobi.

She went to Kianjokoma Primary School, which is now called St. Matthews Mixed Boarding Primary School in Embu. For high school, she attended Kieni Girls High School and finished in 1997. Kanze hoped to join the Kenya Medical Training College. However, after trying several times without success, she decided to study Journalism and Mass Communication at Foundation College of Professional Studies. Her mother passed away from colon cancer shortly after Kanze had her first child.

Career Journey

Kanze Dena started her journalism career by taking a communications course. She then worked as an intern at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) radio, reading Swahili news. Later, she became a news anchor at KBC TV, working alongside Badi Muhsin.

After six years at KBC, she moved to Citizen TV. There, she became very popular in Kenyan media. At Citizen TV, she often co-anchored the news show Nipashe Wikendi with Lulu Hassan for almost six years.

In June 2018, Kanze Dena left Citizen TV. She was appointed as the Deputy State House Spokesperson. She also became the Deputy Head of the President's Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU). In this role, she helped manage digital communication, messaging, research, and press for the President. This work supported President Uhuru Kenyatta's plans for the country. Later, she took on the main role of Spokesperson in the Executive Office of the President and became the head of the PSCU.