Soni Methu named new host for CNN International's award-winning programme, 'Inside Africa'

Former East Africa correspondent for ENCA and E News Africa to join CNN's global network

CNN International today announced that Kenyan journalist Soni Methu is the new host of the network's longest-running feature programme, 'Inside Africa'.

In her role on CNN's award-winning weekly show, Methu will present from countries across the continent to take viewers on a journey through Africa, exploring the true diversity and depth of different cultures, countries and regions.

Methu's first journey begins on Friday 1 August at 1730 BST in the southern part of a country known for its friendly people as the 'Warm Heart of Africa', Malawi. Here, Methu and the 'Inside Africa' team meet a traditional healer developing herbal remedies in a rural village and learn from locals how to prepare Nsima, a staple food in Malawi. She also visits the Liwonde National Park where she finds abundant populations of elephants and birds along the Shire River. The programme concludes with a trip to Lake Malawi, home to many species of fish found nowhere else in the world.

Methu joins CNN International from ENCA and E News Africa, where she was

East Africa correspondent for two years, reporting from hotspots Mombasa and Nairobi, including covering the Westgate Mall terrorist attack. During her career with ENCA she also reported from Somalia, South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, and was central to breaking key stories for the channel.

Methu, who will be based in CNN's Nairobi bureau, revealed her excitement about the move: 'What an honour and privilege this opportunity is, to be at the forefront of telling positive, uplifting African stories to CNN's worldwide audience. I can't imagine a better role than to show the beauty of Africa.'

Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President at CNN International, said: 'We're delighted Soni is joining CNN and 'Inside Africa'. She brings a wealth of first-hand experience, knowledge and passion for Africa in all its many facets, and will be a real asset to the ongoing development of the show, a cornerstone of CNN International feature programming.'

'Inside Africa' airs at the following times on CNN International each week:

Fridays 1730
Saturdays 1830
Mondays 0130
Tuesdays 0930
Thursdays 0630