Kalen Beatrice Kanze Dena, a prominent Swahili Kenyan journalist and news director, has etched her name in the annals of media and communication. Renowned for anchoring Citizen Nipashe and Citizen Wikendi, she currently serves as the State House Spokesperson and Head of the Presidential Strategies and Communication Unit in the Republic of Kenya.
Kanze Dena Origin
Born in 1979 in Mazeras, Kwale County, Kenya, Kanze Dena hails from the Duruma sub-tribe of Mijikenda. She grew up in a family of six children, being the fourth born, and faced the challenges of a single-parent household. Raised by her mother, Jane Dena, Kanze’s father left when she was only four years old. Tragically, her mother succumbed to cancer in 2007, leaving Kanze and her siblings to navigate life without parental guidance.
Education
Kanze Dena’s educational journey commenced at Kianjokoma Boarding School, now St. Mathews Kianjokoma in Embu County, before proceeding to Kyeni Girls High School. Post-secondary education led her to a Secretarial College in Nairobi, where she pursued Journalism and Mass Communication. Despite initially aspiring to join the Kenya Medical Training College, Kanze redirected her focus and eventually found her calling in journalism.
Career
Before venturing into journalism, Kanze worked as a waitress, gaining real-world experience before pursuing formal education. Her career kicked off with an internship at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), where she transitioned from an intern to reading bulletins on KBC radio at 4.00 PM.
Also Read: Who Is Lulu Hassan Biography, Birthday, Family, Appearance, Career, Net Worth
Later, she joined Citizen TV, working as a news anchor and news director at Royal Media Services. In June 2018, her career took a significant turn when she was appointed Deputy State House Spokesperson, marking a pivotal moment in her professional trajectory.
Kanze Dena Husband
She tied the knot with Nick Mararo in a traditional ceremony, blessed with a son named Amani. However, life’s adversities struck when her mother passed away, followed by the loss of her firstborn child. These hardships, coupled with personal struggles during her school days, have shaped Kanze into the resilient individual she is today.
State House Role
As the State House Spokesperson and Head of the Presidential Strategies and Communication Unit, Kanze Dena plays a pivotal role in communicating the presidency’s messages. Her monthly salary of approximately $8000, along with additional allowances of around $2500, reflects the significance of her position.
Social Media
With a significant presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, Kanze Dena boasts millions of followers. Her fans, drawn to her journalism career, shower her with support and admiration, making her a revered figure in Kenyan media.
Kanze Dena and Lulu Hassan
Kanze Dena’s decision to maintain distance from her colleague Lulu Hassan during Lulu’s pregnancy reflects the depth of Kanze’s personal struggles. The pain of losing her own child haunted her, making it challenging to witness the joy of motherhood in others.
