Kenyan Journalist Larry Madowo Leaves BBC for CNN

CNN has hired Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo as its Nairobi-based correspondent.

In a statement on Thursday, the giant US media company said Madowo will cover the East African region and beyond.

Madowo has been working as the BBC’s North America correspondent based in Washington, D.C in the past year.

During the time, he covered major stories including the 2020 US elections, the COVID-19 outbreak, and the protests following the killing of George Floyd, and the trial of Derek Chauvin.

He was also a fill-in anchor for the broadcaster’s flagship BBC World News America show that airs globally and on PBS stations across the US.

“Larry is an experienced journalist whose expertise across politics, business, entertainment, and hard news stories will play into our diverse coverage of East Africa and beyond,” said Deborah Rayner, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering and Managing Editor, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, for CNN International.

On his part, Madowo said, “I’ve enjoyed reporting from the U.S. and around the world, but it’s a real privilege to return to covering Africa at such a critical time in Kenya and around the continent. I have long admired CNN International’s award-winning coverage, and I’m honored to be joining such a talented team. I look forward to sharing the full spectrum of life in one of the most dynamic parts of the world with CNN’s global audiences.”

Madowo, who started his journalism career at Kenya Television Network (KTN) at the age of 20, previously worked for NTV Kenya and CNBC Africa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Daystar University and a master’s in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University in New York.