Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange has taken an unconventional approach to launching a new podcast, I AM, choosing to interview himself in the debut episode released on April 23, 2026.
The episode, titled “I AM: Jeff Koinange,” is described as “raw, candid, and deeply personal,” offering audiences an introspective look into his life journey. But beyond the novelty of a self-interview, Koinange’s decision was strategically designed to set the tone for the kind of storytelling he expects from future guests.
Koinange’s self-interview was not just a creative choice but a calculated move to establish the identity of the podcast.
By placing himself in the spotlight first, he aimed to “bridge the gap” between his well-known public persona and his private life.
Through what he described as “interacting with his spirit,” Koinange used the platform to share deeply personal stories he had never revealed before essentially becoming his own first subject.
He positioned himself as the podcast’s first “guinea pig,” demonstrating that no topic is off-limits and setting a standard of vulnerability for future guests.
At its core, I AM is designed to explore the identities of influential figures beyond their public image. The self-interview format allowed Koinange to define that vision from the outset.
By opening up about his own journey, he created a blueprint for the show—one centered on authenticity, introspection, and deeply personal storytelling.
The debut episode acts as both an introduction and a mission statement, signaling that I AM will go beyond surface-level interviews to uncover the human stories behind public figures.
One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is Koinange’s reflection on his early life. He candidly shares his struggles growing up in a family facing financial hardship and the challenges that followed.
After high school, he worked as a city messenger earning just KSh 4,000 a month, a necessity at the time, as his mother could not afford college tuition. The experience, he explains, shaped his work ethic and determination.
He later transitioned into aviation, working as a cabin crew member for Pan Am. It was during this period that passengers often commented on his voice, predicting it would one day bring him success, an insight that would later prove accurate.
Koinange’s journey eventually led him to global media, where he built a successful career as an international journalist, including award-winning work at CNN.
In the podcast, he traces this trajectory from Kiambu to international recognition, reflecting on the persistence and ambition that fueled his rise. His eventual return to Kenya, where he became a household name through Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), is also explored as a defining chapter of his career.
The debut episode is not just about career milestones—it also delves into deeply personal revelations.
Koinange uses the platform to share significant aspects of his private life, including discovering he had a daughter three decades ago. He also opens up about his first marriage, which lasted seven years, offering insights rarely discussed in public.
The self-interview serves as a moment of reflection during this transition, allowing Koinange to revisit his journey and reassess his path in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
It also marks a shift toward digital, long-form storytelling, with the podcast hosted on Citizen Digital and YouTube.
I AM is not Koinange’s only venture into podcasting. He also runs Off the Record, a more casual podcast on his personal YouTube channel featuring relaxed conversations with colleagues and friends.
While Off the Record leans into informal, behind-the-scenes discussions, I AM is positioned as a more structured and introspective platform focused on life journeys and personal identity.
Together, the two projects highlight Koinange’s broader strategy to expand his presence in the digital media space.
