Robyn Lee Kriel is an award-winning correspondent for CNN resides in east Africa. ^{[2] [1]}

Kriel graduated from Texas Christian University with degrees in broadcast journalism and musical theater. She completed her Master of Arts in war studies through a distance-learning program at King's College London. ^{[2] [12]}

Prior to joining CNN in 2015, Kriel served as Chief Africa Correspondent for South African news broadcaster eNCA. While working at eNCA, Kriel traveled extensively across east Africa, contributing to major stories, including the war and drought in Somalia, cross border clashes along the Sudan /South Sudan border, hostages held by pirates rescued in Puntland, the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, and the Garissa University attacks. ^[2]

Throughout her Career, Kriel has won a number of reporting accolades. ^[2] She won an Edward R. Murrow Award for in-depth series reporting, an Overseas Press Club honorable mention, a David Burke Award for Bravery in Journalism, a Houston Press club Award, and two Lonestar Emmys. ^[2] In 2011, Kriel was recognized by Michelle Obama for what the First Lady called her "courageous reporting from Zimbabwe". ^{[2] [12]}