The power voice: How Queenter Mbori is reshaping women's space in Kenya’s media

Sitting at her desk in her office, Queenter Mbori leans forward, eyes bright with purpose. "When I was born, my father hoped for a son," she reveals with a knowing smile. "But what he got instead was a daughter who would carry his leadership legacy even further."

This quiet confidence defines Kenya's newest media powerhouse. As the current executive director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (Amwik), Queenter brings hurricane-force energy and razor-sharp vision to a role that puts her at the epicentre of the country's media evolution. She doesn't just occupy the position – she embodies it.

"I've always been conscious of injustices and inequalities," Queenter says, tracing this awareness back to her childhood in Saye village, Homa Bay County.

"I was inquisitive and observant. I knew something wasn't right, and I wanted to understand why."

That same curiosity now fuels her ambitious agenda for Kenya's female journalists – a comprehensive blueprint for protection, empowerment and transformation that's already sending ripples across the industry.

A vision taking flight

"Amwik's membership is vast, drawing from women working in every corner of the country," Queenter explains her organisation's reach. "We also have a strong digital presence that connects us with women from all walks of life."

As Executive Director, Queenter manages the secretariat with characteristic precision, ensuring that Amwik's goals materialise through various programs and initiatives. The organisation operates under a constitutional framework, with board members elected annually to maintain accountability to its members.

Under her leadership, this nationwide network supporting women in media, communication, academia, and related fields continues its legacy as a transformative force in Kenya's media landscape. But her vision extends far beyond maintaining the status quo.

Long before the executive office, Queenter was mapping her own path through Kenya's competitive media industry. Her journey speaks volumes about her tenacity – from a background in education to her first foothold as a sub-editor at Standard Group in 2014, each step revealing her determination to create impact.

"I worked as a features editor at Mwananchi Communications in Tanzania and executive editor at Bang Magazine," she shares, her voice steady as she recounts the challenges. "The early years weren't always smooth. Navigating newsroom politics required strategy and patience."

The turning point came in 2020 with the Women in News (Win) Leadership Accelerator Program. "It was transformative," she says with genuine appreciation. "Suddenly I could see the gaps I needed to fill, and I had a network of women supporting my ambitions."

Today, her influence extends far beyond one organisation. Queenter sits on numerous prestigious boards, including The Kigali Declaration Advisory Committee and the African Women in Media/Luminate Women in Politics project. She serves as the outgoing board chair of Standard Group Women Network, which she helped found, and contributes her strategic vision to the Kenya Editors' Guild Strategy Committee.

Read: Amwik sets pace in war on online sexual violence

In 2020, she applied for the Executive Director role at Amwik, driven by a deep-seated desire to uplift women in media.

"Though I wasn't selected initially, I remained steadfast, and when I finally attained the role, it validated my efforts. I felt especially proud, knowing my late father would have been too," she shares with visible emotion.

Queenter brings significant experience in gender equality and women's empowerment to her role. At The Standard Group, she led the launch of Africa's first Standard Women Network, improving workplace engagement and addressing sexual harassment. She also played a key role in creating the gender desk and mentorship programs, promoting leadership through the Standard Mentorship Academy.

"As a certified media trainer, I've worked with organisations like Fawe-Kenya and Aga Khan University to train journalists on gender and sexual reproductive health reporting," she notes. Her efforts have had lasting impacts, including a 2022 project with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on gender-sensitive election reporting.

At Amwik, she aims to continue building pathways for women in media, ensuring they have the tools, space, and support to rise to leadership roles and achieve their full potential.

Queenter doesn't just talk about change—she's actively implementing it. Amwik is executing its 2022-2026 strategic plan, focusing on five key areas to create positive change for women in media and the public.

"Media development and membership growth are top priorities, ensuring journalists are equipped to thrive in the evolving media landscape, while recognising the crucial role journalists play, as outlined in the constitution," she emphasises.

Amwik's training initiatives empower journalists to tackle emerging challenges, but the organisation's mission extends beyond training. Guided by Article 33 of the Constitution, they advocate for greater representation of women in the media and champion their voices.

"As a civil society organisation, Amwik occupies a unique space, amplifying the voices of women in media while addressing broader societal issues," Queenter explains. "Our focus remains on supporting women in media—if you're not yet a member, you're missing out. We prioritise your growth and well-being."

The organisation is also committed to helping women access economic empowerment, using media to drive conversations on women's independence, participation in national dialogues, and quality of life, with a focus on property rights, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Fighting the good fight

One of the most pressing issues in media is sexual harassment, which disproportionately affects women. At Amwik, Queenter is committed to raising awareness and enforcing zero-tolerance policies.

"As leaders of the gender committee in the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, alongside organisations like the Kenya Editors Guild, we promote a model sexual harassment policy developed with Journalists for Human Rights and train organisations to implement it," she states firmly.

Amwik is also addressing rising online harassment through digital safety training. To date, they've trained 300 journalists and women human rights defenders on online safety and developed a digital safety handbook, freely available on their website, to help users recognise and respond to online threats.

Another priority is gender and governance. In Kenya, women remain far from achieving the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, and women are underrepresented in media leadership, with only eight per cent of media owners being women. The organisation aims to foster leadership opportunities for women through training, advocacy, and platforms to share strategies.

"We also celebrate women leaders, including Kenya's women governors, to inspire future generations," Queenter says with pride.

"Earlier this year, with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, we hosted discussions on the two-thirds gender rule, emphasising the need for more women in leadership across politics and media."

Read: No story is worth dying for, women journalists told over poll chaos

Like any organisation, Amwik faces its share of challenges. As a membership-based association, their biannual elections sometimes spark strong opinions and competition.

"When I joined Amwik, many asked, 'What will you change?' My focus is on strengthening existing structures to build on Amwik's 42-year legacy of supporting women in media," she explains. "We're investing in internal capacity-building, training board members, and updating policies to meet our members' evolving needs."

The organisation also addresses the broader challenges facing women in media. The safety and security of journalists, particularly during protests and unrest, is a major concern. In 2023, according to MCK, 100 journalists faced violence, with women disproportionately impacted.

"Many journalists, particularly women, lack protective gear when covering protests, as media houses often don't provide it. Amwik is pushing for stronger safety measures, including equipment like tear gas masks and body armour," Queenter notes.

Mental health is another critical issue. A 2021 MCK survey found that 64 per cent of journalists knew someone struggling with mental health issues, yet physical safety often receives more focus. Amwik collaborates with Separ International to offer security training and mental wellness programs, including therapy sessions.

Financial instability in media presents yet another challenge, with unpaid journalists and job insecurity raising doubts about pursuing a media career. Amwik supports journalists with economic empowerment programs, such as training on reporting illicit financial flows, offering mentorship and grants to women journalists.

Queenter is actively working to grow its membership base, which has been declining in recent years.

"We aim to provide more value to our members. We want members who are not only looking to benefit, but also willing to give back to the association," she states. "Amwik is a community where women can find mentorship, training, and a platform to advance their careers."

Looking ahead, Queenter envisions a thriving Amwik with a more expansive membership base and enhanced mentorship programs. "In two to five years, I see Amwik as a hub for young women entering the profession, and a space where experienced journalists can learn from younger generations about digital media and new technologies like podcasts and YouTube."

"We are rebranding Amwik to reflect its true impact and role in the industry. There's been a lot of misinformation about what Amwik does, and it's time for that to change."

Genesis of a changemaker

The seeds of leadership were planted early in Queenter's life, in the rich soil of her family dynamics and childhood experiences.

"My father served as assistant minister for local government in the 1980s and was a Member of Parliament for Kasipul Kabondo," she says. "I'm truly my father's child. We share a close resemblance, and I've inherited his passion for creating positive change."

Growing up in a large polygamous family created a unique perspective. "My mother married young, and I have siblings as old as her," Queenter explains. "This exposed me to vastly different viewpoints and made me hyper-aware of inequalities from an early age."

Read: Number of women in print news still low

As the middle child among ten siblings, she found inspiration in her first-born sister. Her mother's strict, hardworking nature instilled discipline and resilience – qualities that would later become hallmarks of her leadership style. These formative experiences opened doors to leadership roles throughout school and university.

Today, as she navigates the high-pressure world of media advocacy, Queenter has cultivated effective strategies for maintaining balance. "When things get intense at Amwik, I go on long drives or travel abroad to clear my mind," she reveals.

Perhaps most telling is her approach to support: "I have a personal 'board of governors' – people who check in on me, offer advice, and hold me accountable. In this role, that kind of support system isn't just helpful – it's essential."

Next generation

Her advice to women journalists is both practical and inspiring.

"Media is a powerful tool that can drive gender equality and amplify women's voices. However, it's equally important to have a clear career plan, understand your value, and always strive for more—never settle for the bare minimum," she counsels.

She encourages women to join associations like Amwik or any other that provides resources, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.

"Navigating this industry is easier when you have a support network. Your concerns will be addressed, and you'll gain access to valuable resources. You can't do it alone. Find your tribe, your team, and they'll help you succeed."

For young women entering the media industry, her message is clear: "Be strategic. Build your brand, know what you stand for, and be intentional about your career. The media is powerful, but you must be prepared to leverage it for personal growth and societal advancement."

mmwololo@ke.nationmedia