By DAVID KAMAU
In a dramatic reflection of Kenya’s shifting media landscape, Weekly Citizen has emerged as one of the most influential and widely read newspapers in the country.
Once considered as not a challenger to the long-standing dominance of traditional dailies, Weekly Citizen has now firmly secured its place among the nation’s top-tier publications.
According to the latest State of the Media Survey released by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Weekly Citizen has been ranked as the fourth most-read newspaper in the country, surpassing a host of well-established media houses. Only Daily Nation, The Standard, and Taifa Leo rank higher, a clear testament to Weekly Citizen’s growing relevance, reach, and reputation.
In a media space historically dominated by legacy brands, Weekly Citizen’s ascension is both symbolic and strategic. It not only outpaced newer entrants, but also eclipsed renowned outlets such as Business Daily, People Daily, The Star, The Nairobian, MyGov, and The EastAfrican—all of which have long enjoyed mainstream backing and substantial resources.
The survey findings highlight a clear shift in public preference:
Daily Nation commands 34% of the readership, a slight dip from last year’s 35%.
The Standard holds at 20%, down by 1%.
Taifa Leo stands at 11%.
Weekly Citizen, impressively, captures 9% of the national readership.
In comparison, Business Daily stands at 8%, People Daily and The Star each at 5%, The Nairobian at 4%, MyGov at 3%, and The EastAfrican at just 1%.
This transformation not only reflects changing consumption habits among Kenyans but also affirms Weekly Citizen’s firm foothold in a media market undergoing significant evolution.
Weekly Citizen is a story of quiet resilience, strategic reinvention, and editorial excellence. Launched over two decades ago by Headlink Publishers Ltd, the paper began as a modest publication printed on A-size paper.
Yet from the outset, its founder Tom Alwaka and his editorial team displayed an unflinching commitment to fearless political journalism and in-depth reporting.
Through perseverance, innovation, and a clear understanding of its audience, Weekly Citizen steadily grew in both stature and scope. The transition to full newspaper format signalled not only a shift in physical presence but a bolder ambition: to become the definitive source of political news and analysis in Kenya.
Unlike many dailies that scatter their focus, Weekly Citizen carved out a distinctive niche—hard-hitting political journalism. It became a trusted voice for readers hungry for clarity, truth, and unfiltered reporting. That clarity of purpose, combined with a loyal readership base, enabled the paper to scale both influence and credibility.
Weekly Citizen’s editorial approach stands at the heart of its success. In an era where misinformation and sensationalism increasingly threaten public trust, the paper has built its brand on credibility, independence, and impact.
Its pages consistently deliver exclusive political scoops, well-researched exposes, and commentary that shapes national discourse. Whether analysing power plays within government corridors or unearthing behind-the-scenes manoeuvres in county politics, Weekly Citizen has established itself as the go-to source for informed, objective, and often daring journalism.
Moreover, the publication’s responsiveness to changing reader needs has reinforced its relevance. It has expanded its content to include thoughtful opinion pages, business insights, educational pull-outs, and public service features—all while maintaining its core political focus.
Kenya’s media industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation, driven by shifting reader behaviours, digital disruption, and increasing demand for authenticity. In this changing landscape, Weekly Citizen is not merely adapting, it is leading.
By investing in high-calibre journalism, nurturing editorial talent, and embracing multi-media platforms, the publication is positioning itself not just as a newspaper, but as a multi-media brand of national importance. Its expansion into digital platforms has enabled it to reach younger and more tech-savvy audiences, while preserving the analytical depth that defines its print edition.
As Kenya continues to grapple with complex political realities, economic uncertainty, and governance challenges, the role of trusted media becomes ever more critical. In this context, Weekly Citizen is rising as a pillar of public discourse, giving voice to the truth, amplifying accountability, and championing democratic values.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a top-four national publication, Weekly Citizen is a case study in editorial focus, brand discipline, and audience connection. It has not only defied expectations, it has set new standards for what a modern Kenyan newspaper can achieve.
In the eyes of its readers, Weekly Citizen is more than just a newspaper. It is a reliable companion in understanding the nation’s political heartbeat. In the eyes of the industry, it is a disruptor rewriting the rules of media influence. And in the wider media ecosystem, it stands tall as a rising force shaping the future of Kenyan journalism.
As the media terrain continues to evolve, Weekly Citizen’s journey is far from over. But one thing is clear; the era of the underdog is behind it. The spotlight is now firmly on a brand that has earned its place at the top.
