Telling Kenya’s Story, One Page at a Time: Inside the Vision and Voice of the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board

The Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) is redefining how the nation tells its story. Under visionary leadership, KYEB has evolved from a traditional government publisher into a dynamic force in public communication, blending factual reporting with human-centered storytelling. Anchored in values of professionalism, innovation and inclusivity, the Board documents Kenya’s development journey through flagship publications like Kenya Yearbook 2024, Kenya at the Olympics, and 60 Years of Kenya’s Diplomacy. With a bold strategic plan, KYEB is tackling information gaps, leveraging digital platforms, and amplifying grassroots voices to ensure that every Kenyan sees themselves in the national narrative. Through strategic partnerships and citizen engagement, KYEB is not only preserving history, it’s shaping Kenya’s future, one story at a time. With a renewed focus on accuracy, impact and editorial excellence, the institution is proving that government communication can be both credible and compelling as Swao Mururi narrates.

In the fast-evolving information era, where fake news and digital misinformation often blur the line between fact and fiction, one state corporation is quietly rewriting the script by documenting the Kenyan story with accuracy, authenticity, and national pride.

The Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB), under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, has taken on the mantle of being the government’s publishing voice, tasked with chronicling national progress and capturing the soul of the nation.

At the helm of this institution is its CEO, a communications specialist with a vision steeped in storytelling and a commitment to editorial excellence. Since assuming leadership in March 2024, the CEO has introduced a bold, citizen-focused agenda aimed at elevating KYEB from a traditional government publisher to a digital-age communicator of Kenya’s transformation journey.

Anchored in Vision, Driven by Values

Established under Legal Notice No. 187 of 2007, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board is mandated to compile, edit, and publish the official Yearbook, a periodic publication documenting Kenya’s progress, achievements, and aspirations. But its mandate stretches far beyond documentation.

The Board also produces sector-specific reports and policy-focused publications, designed to bridge the persistent information gap between government activity and citizen understanding.

“Our three guiding pillars are authenticity, participatory storytelling, and editorial excellence,” says the CEO. “These are driven by values of professionalism, innovation, diversity, and a citizen-centered approach. We believe that storytelling isn’t just about reporting facts, but about speaking to the soul of the nation.”

The Board’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan identifies three pressing issues: the information gap, global shifts in information consumption, and a lack of collaboration around information literacy. To tackle these, KYEB is leveraging technology, enhancing editorial processes, and strengthening partnerships across government and civil society.

Leadership Milestones: From Blueprint to Impact

Among the CEO’s earliest achievements was guiding the completion and launch of KYEB’s strategic plan, previously a missing piece within the organization’s operations. That plan now serves as a blueprint for transforming KYEB into a modern, agile institution.

The Board has since published landmark works such as Kenya Yearbook 2024, Kenya at the Olympics: A 60-Year Journey of Medaling, and 60 Years of Kenya’s Diplomacy in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These publications don’t just record history, they shape national memory and foster a sense of identity.

Another significant initiative has been KYEB’s grassroots engagement program, which includes the dissemination of its Agenda Kenya newspaper across counties like Bungoma, Eldoret, Kwale, and Nairobi. “It’s about telling stories from the counties, by the counties,” the CEO explains, underscoring the need for decentralized communication that reflects Kenya’s diversity.

Shaping Policy and Protecting Truth

In an age dominated by social media, misinformation poses a serious threat to public trust. To combat this, KYEB has implemented fact-checking protocols and citizen education campaigns, reinforcing its publications as credible sources in a noisy digital space.

The CEO has also made notable contributions to the policy landscape, advocating for the inclusion of social scientists in government AI development, and promoting standardized communication templates across ministries. “We must deploy a multidisciplinary approach in crafting public messages,” she says. “Technology should be used for growth not for trolling, cyberbullying or degrading institutions.”

Strategic Partnerships and Public Trust

KYEB has cultivated impactful partnerships with the Media Council of Kenya and the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. These alliances have enabled the organization to access expert content and present development stories with journalistic rigor and historical fidelity.

“The more we collaborate, the more nuanced and inclusive our national narrative becomes,” the CEO notes. Through these synergies, KYEB is increasingly seen not just as a publisher, but as a trusted steward of Kenya’s developmental journey.

A Citizen’s Publisher in the Digital Age

Underpinning KYEB’s rebranding efforts is its embrace of digital platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), helping the organization connect with younger audiences. But it’s not just about going digital, it’s about staying relevant. “We want to know what young Kenyans want to read in the Yearbook,” she adds. “Our storytelling must evolve with our audiences.”

Looking ahead, KYEB plans to amplify its presence at the grassroots level, expand product reach, and further embed citizen voices in national communication. The Board’s future lies in being both a mirror and a megaphone, reflecting Kenya’s achievements while broadcasting its potential.

Leading with Purpose

As a firm believer in servant leadership, the CEO concludes with a nod to her values. “Leadership is about vision, but also about listening, learning, and lifting others. Our mission is not just to inform, it is to inspire.”

With its sharpened focus on credibility, inclusivity, and innovation, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board is fast becoming a cornerstone in the architecture of public communication. In doing so, it ensures that Kenya’s story is told not just with accuracy, but with heart.