" I hold the firm belief that when everyone is included, everyone wins and this is the only way we can ensure that gender equity and economic empowerment programs continue being prioritized across the social and political spectrum. "
Janet Mbugua
Welcome dear friend!
My background in media and communications over the last 2 decades, has allowed me to engage with communities, students, brands, government and policy makers, in taking a multi-sectoral and inclusive approach in advocating for gender equality rights and equity for all. My passion for social justice was fully born when I was a Broadcast Journalist.
A feature story that aired on the station I worked for at the time, showed girls using unsanitary products such as chicken feathers and goat hide to manage their menstruation. The feature became part of my then talk show. It birthed in me the need to push for girls and women to be able to access the right products and information pertaining to their period, while also pushing for the budgetary allocation to be increased in the Kenyan parliament.
Months later, in 2014, I formed my foundation and to date I have been intentional about sounding the alarm necessary in the fight to end period poverty, equip allies with the tools necessary in advocating in their communities, approaching menstrual health management with inclusive programs and promoting empathy and tolerance in communities where taboos and discrimination against women and girls continue to lock many girls out of an education and prevent women from working with dignity.
I appreciate the importance of using my digital space not only to inspire people or share some insights into my life’s passions and activities, but also to bring key messaging and campaigns, particularly related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, cyber bullying and child safety, to life.
If we all speak for those locked out of progress, we can uplift them.
Moderator Speaker
As an extension of her passion for communication, storytelling and media expertise, Janet has hosted various events over the last 12 years. These include some of the following events hosted in front of a global audience:
- Moderator, SDGs Implementation Stakeholder Engagement New York, 2019
- MC/ Moderator, ICPD Global Summit Nairobi, 2019
- Speaker, TED Talk (TEDx) Nairobi, 2019
- Moderator, Women in Development Conference London, 2020
- Host at the global Goalkeepers Summit in New York, September 2022, hosting a session featuring Melinda French Gates, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and other global SDG champions
- Hosted Goalkeepers in New York 2024
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DASFTWTurVo/?igsh=djN1Z25pajdlN2J0
- Moderator AFDB ,Kenya 2024
- Moderator at the Global Women’s Conference in Iceland, 2023
- Official host for the Making More Health Convention 2022 and 2023 in Ingelheim Germany
- Moderator for the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM 2022) session on Equity and Innovation for Africa’s Recovery,
- interviewing Melinda French Gates and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
- Interview with Lupita Nyong’o during her book reading for Sulwe, 2021
- Moderator for the Generation Equality Forum 2021, one of the few
- Kenyans participating in this capacity globally.
- Moderator for the 76th UN General Assembly
TV & Radio
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Current - Host Fixing The Nation on Nation Media
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Former 98.4 Capital FM Presenter/Producer
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Former News Anchor/Producer/Reporter/ TV Show Host in Kenya & South Africa
Janet’s media experience includes being a News Anchor, Reporter and Producer both in her country, Kenya and in South Africa. Her experience in Broadcast has seen her cover the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the 2007 and 2013 Kenya elections and the 2012 U.S Elections.
Janet started out in Radio at the age of 19 on Nairobi’s Capital FM. Years later at 23, she became the host of the popular travel show Out and About on KTN in Kenya and later became a Prime Time News Anchor and Reporter, still on KTN. Janet was then headhunted for the position of News Anchor, Reporter and Producer by e TV in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2009. She then returned to Kenya in 2011, where she joined Citizen TV as a Prime Time News Anchor, Reporter and Producer until April 2017. In 2019 she co-curated and hosted a TV Show called Here And Now on NTV Kenya, which focused on socio-economic and political issues affecting young people. Janet says she will always have a passion for television and has not ruled out returning to the screens.
Currently, A host at Nation Media Group for Fixing the Nation, which airs every weekday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The show highlights systemic gaps in society and amplifies practical, community-driven solutions. It’s about moving conversations from awareness to action, challenging the status quo, and driving real change.
Accolades & Achievements
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Top 40 under 40 Women in Kenya – The Top-40 Under-40 annual awards recognize outstanding achievements in various fields in the private and public sectors. Janet was recognized for her work as a Television Presenter/ Producer in discussing socio-economic issues and for the work she does through her Inua Dada Foundation.
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Top 25 Women in Digital, Kenya – The award announced by Digital Africa, recognizes women who have directly or indirectly contributed to the growth and use of the digital space for personal and societal good. Janet is recognized as a passionate content creator and digital influencer. She uses her platforms to focus on discussing and exploring topical issues that seek to empower and bring social change.
- Winner of the World Association for Sexual Health Innovation in Education Award (Inua Dada Foundation, 2021
- Most Elite MC of the Year 2024- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDB1CYJI2qx/?igsh=MXdiMzN5d2xmOGhsNg==
- Most professional female and corporate MC in Kenya 2024 - https://www.instagram.com/p/C44-HR3IzMA/?img_index=2&igsh=MXZmNzF5czF6M2l0Yw==
Brand Collaboration
Building relationships and collaborating with brands and companies is something Janet has always considered important, not just in expanding her scope of work, but in amplifying key messaging that is critical for these brands and their audiences. She commits to brands that share similar values that she does, be it the empowerment of women, educating children or raising awareness on pertinent, social issues. She has also participated in experiential, lifestyle events and brand activations. Some of her key collaborations include:
Acting Projects
Janet Mbugua is a renowned Kenyan media personality, author, and women’s rights advocate who has also made a mark in the acting industry. While she is primarily known for her work as a news anchor and her activism, Janet has ventured into acting, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment world.
Early Interest in Performance
Before her rise in media, Janet had a passion for storytelling and performance. Her background in journalism and television naturally transitioned into acting, where she could bring scripts to life.
Acting Roles and Projects
Janet Mbugua has appeared in several Kenyan TV shows and films, including:
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"Makutano Junction" – A popular BBC Africa drama series where Janet made a guest appearance, further cementing her presence in Kenyan television.
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"Higher Learning" – A Kenyan TV series that explores campus life, where Janet played a role, demonstrating her ability to take on diverse characters.
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"Nairobi Half Life" (Cameo) – While not a lead role, her appearance in this award-winning film highlighted her connection to Kenya’s growing film industry.
Behind the Scenes & Production
Beyond acting, Janet has been involved in content creation and production, using her media expertise to influence storytelling in Kenya. She has expressed interest in taking on more roles that align with her advocacy for women and youth.
Future in Acting
Though her primary focus remains on media, public speaking, and activism, Janet has not ruled out more acting opportunities. Fans hope to see her in more films and TV shows, especially those that amplify social issues she is passionate about.
Janet Mbugua’s acting career, though not her main profession, adds another layer to her multifaceted career, proving her talent extends beyond the newsroom.