Veteran News Anchor Catherine Kasavuli Diagnosed with Cancer, Appeals for Blood Donation

Veteran media personality Catherine Kasavuli is appealing for blood donation after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Kasavuli, who was Kenya’s first female news anchor, is currently admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital private wing, according to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Managing Director Samuel Maina.

“Dear friends, colleagues and well-wishers. Our dear colleague Catherine Kasavuli is hospitalized at the KNH Private Wing after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. For those who can, she needs a blood transfusion urgently. Your prayers and moral support will be very welcome,” Maina said in a message.

"KNH usually gives the patient what is required from their blood bank as long as donors have presented themselves. They don't restrict donations to blood type factor hence anyone can donate.”

Kasavuli, 60, had in 2015 retired from the limelight to focus on corporate matters, but she made a grand comeback to the Kenyan screens in July last year when she signed a contract with KBC, where she has been hosting weekend news.

The mother of one began her career in 1980 as a radio continuity announcer at the Voice of Kenya, which was later renamed KBC.

In 1985, Kasavuli switched over to television at the State-owned broadcaster and worked for two years without any prior professional training before enrolling in the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.

Kasavuli joined the founding group of KTN, Kenya’s first privately owned television station, in March 1990. She changed the station’s pre-recorded format and was the first anchor to broadcast live.

After working for KTN for 17 years, Kasavuli left the network in 2007 to work for Royal Media Services’ Citizen TV, where she later held the position of corporate affairs manager. In 2015, Kasavuli retired from the spotlight to work behind the scenes.