Linus Kaikai is one of Kenya’s most respected journalists and media executives. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Kaikai has become known for rigorous reporting, editorial leadership, and a record of mentoring younger journalists.
He has held senior editorial roles at major Kenyan and regional broadcasters, won prestigious journalism awards, and in recent years has combined editorial work with further professional qualifications and public-facing roles.
Profile
- Full Name: Linus Joe Kaikai
- Born: December 2, 1960
- Age: ~ 64 years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Transmara, Narok County, Kenya
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Journalist, Media Executive, Lawyer
- Religion: Christian
- Siblings: He is the 6th of ten children (4 brothers, 5 sisters)
- Spouse: Jacinta Mueni Kaikai
- Children: Three (two sons, one daughter)
- Net Worth: ~ KSh 70 million (estimated)
Early life and education
Linus Kaikai was born and raised in Kenya. Sources report his early interest in news and current affairs was influenced by family and school experiences that pushed him toward journalism as a vocation. He trained at institutions that prepared him for broadcast journalism, including a diploma from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and later postgraduate studies in journalism. His academic background laid the foundation for the investigative and editorial strengths he would show throughout his career.
Career beginnings — KTN and early recognition
Kaikai’s professional journalism career began at the Kenya Television Network (KTN), where his reporting and presentation skills quickly drew attention. Early in his career he received the CNN African Television Journalist 1st Prize and other awards that established him as a standout reporter in the region.
Regional experience — SABC and return to Kenya
After initial success at KTN, Kaikai moved to work with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). There he served as a correspondent and rose through editorial ranks, gaining experience in international and regional reporting and newsroom management. This period broadened his perspective and skills, which he later brought back to Kenyan newsrooms when he returned to senior positions in Kenya’s broadcast media.
Senior roles in Kenyan media — NTV and Royal Media Services
Upon returning to Kenya, Linus Kaikai took on senior editorial and management roles at major media outlets. He has served in leadership positions at NTV and later joined Royal Media Services (RMS), where he served as Group Editorial Director / Director of Strategy and Innovation for Citizen TV and RMS’s editorial operations. In this role he has overseen editorial strategy, quality control, and innovation across multiple TV and radio brands under the RMS umbrella.
Leadership and professional associations
Kaikai has also been prominent in media industry bodies. He served as Chairman of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), a position that reflects both his stature among peers and his involvement in conversations about media ethics, freedom of the press, and professional standards in Kenyan journalism.
Notable achievements and awards
- CNN African Television Journalist Prize (1997) — Recognition for excellence in television journalism.
- Environmental Journalist Award (1998) — Highlighting strong reporting in environmental matters.
- Editorial leadership recognitions — Respect for overseeing high-profile coverage and mentoring journalists.
Recent milestone — Admission to the Bar (November 20, 2025)
In a noteworthy recent development, Linus Kaikai was among the cohort of 916 petitioners admitted to the roll of advocates of the High Court of Kenya on November 20, 2025. This milestone reflects Kaikai’s broadened professional scope and demonstrates a commitment to legal knowledge alongside journalism — useful in areas like media law and regulation.
Style, influence and journalistic approach
Kaikai’s journalistic style blends incisive questioning, attention to factual detail, and an editorial eye for stories that matter to the public. He is known for moderating debates, conducting high-stakes interviews, and pushing for evidence-based reporting. As a leader, he emphasizes newsroom training, verification processes, and an editorial culture that balances speed with accuracy.
Public presence and media impact
Beyond newsroom management, Kaikai has a public profile through television appearances, media panel discussions, and social platforms where he discusses current affairs and media issues. His coverage and editorial choices have occasionally made headlines, and he is often at the center of national conversations about media impartiality and the role of broadcast outlets in public life.
Personal life (brief)
Publicly available profiles indicate Kaikai is married and is known to value family privacy while maintaining a public professional presence. Details about his family and private life are typically reported sparingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Linus Kaikai?
Linus Kaikai is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and media executive who has served as Group Editorial Director / Director of Strategy and Innovation at Royal Media Services and held senior editorial roles at major Kenyan broadcasters.
What awards has he won?
He won the CNN African Television Journalist 1st Prize and was recognized for environmental reporting, among other accolades.
Has he worked outside Kenya?
Yes — Kaikai worked with the South African Broadcasting Corporation before returning to Kenya for senior editorial roles.
Is he involved in media organisations?
He has served as Chairman of the Kenya Editors’ Guild and participated in professional media bodies and discussions.
What recent milestone did he achieve?
On November 20, 2025, Kaikai was among 916 petitioners admitted to the roll of advocates of the High Court of Kenya.
Conclusion
Linus Kaikai’s career maps a trajectory from frontline television reporting to senior editorial leadership. His awards and positions reflect a journalist who has both produced influential reporting and shaped editorial strategy at some of East Africa’s most important media outlets. With a recent legal qualification added to his resume, Kaikai’s professional breadth continues to expand — reinforcing his role as a notable figure in Kenyan media and public discourse.