Jeff Koinange Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Awards

Jeff Mwaura Koinange is a Kenyan journalist, television and radio presenter, and author, best known for hosting the talk show Jeff Koinange Live on Citizen TV.

With a career spanning over three decades, he has reported for major international networks including CNN, Reuters, NBC, and ABC, covering significant global events.

His distinguished journalism has earned him accolades such as an Emmy Award and the George Foster Peabody Award.

Profile

• Full Name: Jeff Mwaura Koinange
• Stage Name: Jeff Koinange
• Born: January 7, 1966
• Age: 59 years old
• Birthplace: Kiambaa, Kiambu County, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Occupation: Journalist, Television and Radio Presenter, Author
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Frederick Mbiyu Koinange and Hilda Ngoima
• Siblings: Hilda Wanjiru, Phyllis Wangui, Freddie Koinange
• Spouse: Shaila Koinange (m. 1998)
• Children: Jamal Mbiyu Koinange
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Jeff Mwaura Koinange was born on January 7, 1966, in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, Kenya. His father, Frederick Mbiyu Koinange, was a pioneering entrepreneur, recognized as the first black Kenyan to operate both a car dealership and a petrol station.

Tragically, Frederick passed away when Jeff was just two months old. Raised by his mother, Hilda Ngoima, a dedicated headmistress, Jeff grew up alongside his siblings: Hilda Wanjiru, Phyllis Wangui, and Freddie Koinange.

He pursued his education at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi before moving to the United States, where he earned an associate degree from Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from New York University.

Jeff is of Kikuyu heritage and practices Christianity.

Career

Jeff Mwaura Koinange began his journalism career in the early 1990s, working with international media houses such as ABC News and NBC News. From 1995 to 2001, he served at Reuters Television, covering major African events and serving as chief producer from 1999.

In 2001, he joined CNN as the Africa correspondent, reporting on significant events including the Darfur crisis, civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the famine in Niger. His exceptional coverage earned him an Emmy Award and the George Foster Peabody Award.

After leaving CNN in 2007, Jeff returned to Kenya, where he became the chief anchor at K24 TV, hosting the Capital Talk Show. He later joined KTN, where he launched the Jeff Koinange Live show.

In 2017, he moved to Citizen TV, continuing to host Jeff Koinange Live, which airs every Wednesday. Additionally, he co-hosts the breakfast show on Hot 96 FM and has served as a judge on East Africa’s Got Talent.

Beyond broadcasting, Jeff is an accomplished author, having published his autobiography, Through My African Eyes, in 2014. He is also involved in philanthropic efforts, notably initiating a project to develop and stock a library in the Kibera slums to provide students with access to reading materials.

His passion for country music has seen him perform alongside Kenyan artist Sir Elvis at various events.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @koinangejeff
• Facebook Handle: Jeff Koinange
• Twitter Handle: @KoinangeJeff

Personal Life

Jeff Mwaura Koinange is married to Shaila Koinange, whom he met in 1986 during interviews for flight attendant positions with Pan American World Airways. The couple married in 1998 and have a son, Jamal Mbiyu Koinange.

Jeff has spoken openly about the impact of growing up without a father and is deeply committed to being an active and present father to his son.

Filmography

• Jeff Koinange Live (Talk Show, 2013–present)
• East Africa’s Got Talent (Judge, 2019)

Net Worth

Jeff Mwaura Koinange’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million USD. His income is primarily derived from his roles as a television and radio presenter, with a monthly salary reported at Ksh 2 million from Royal Media Services.

Additional earnings come from hosting events, endorsement deals, and his published works.