Journalism 101 Kenya

27/03/2023

Royal media journalists robbed of equipment by protesters in Kibera, Nairobi. Other journalists arrested by police officers in Mathare.

01/03/2023

Seasoned journalist Francis Gachuri has been appointed Head of Communication Ministry of Interior Coordination.

He joins a list of journalists that have quit mainstream media positions to take lucrative positions in the county or national government.

Recently Nation Newspaper's Nakuru Regional Editor Stella Cherono resigned to settle for a lucrative position in government while Gerald Bwisa a Trans Nzoia based correspondent quit to join Governor George Natembeya's communication team.

Nation TV Reporter Kennedy Mureithi also quit to join Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki's communication team.

21/02/2023

Good morning from Lagos o

27/01/2023

BREAKING NEWS: The Media Council of Kenya is set to recall all accreditation cards for the current year in a bid to contain fraudsters posing as journalists.

New Press Cards to have additional features including a barcode and QR code that can be scanned using any smartphone.

17/01/2023

Celebrated People Daily photojournalist who initially worked as a Kenya Army soldier William Oeri has died.

Oeri, a veteran photographer, died after his car got involved in a head on collision accident in Makuyu, Murang'a county over the weekend, according to family sources.
sources have disclosed.

May his soul rest in peace.

12/01/2023

Seasoned journalists Ted Malanda and Clay Muganda have reportedly resigned from Standard Group Media.

The two are said to have sent on their resignations recently as the company continued to reel from a financial crisis that has seen employees go without salaries for several months.

Already, tens of journalists at Standard Group's Radio Maisha have moved out to go start a radio station under the ownership of Mt Kenya University's founder Simon Gicharu.

Gicharu who owns the fast rising TV47 is setting up a radio station named Radio 47.

The mass exodus of top journalists from mainstream media to upcoming firms and/or government has also affected Nation Media Group.

Recently Nation Newspaper's Nakuru Regional Editor Stella Cherono resigned to settle for a lucrative position in government while Gerald Bwisa a Trans Nzoia based correspondent quit to join Governor George Natembeya's communication team.

Nation Media Group correspondents are a worried group so far as their annual contracts are yet to be renewed as is usually done at the beginning of the year for the second week running.

Standard Group employees unionised in Kenya Union of Journalists called for the intervention of the latter to help resolve the piled salary arrears stalemate.

Sources from within the Mombasa Road-based media houses said they only received 80% of their October salaries in December.

Agitated staff heaped blame on current CEO Orlando Lyomu who took over the reins from Sam Shollei, the latter who has also been adversely mentioned for contributing to the company's current situation.

07/01/2023

Seasoned journalist Michael Gitonga has been appointed as Secretary State Functions.

Peter Wanjohi held the position during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Here is Michael Gitonga's announcement of the new role he ascends to after serving as Director of Communication at the Office of the First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto as Director of Communication:

"With new year comes new beginnings. I am first of all grateful to God. I also take this opportunity to thank the President of Kenya William Ruto for the opportunity to serve this nation as Secretary State Functions.

I am indebted to the First Lady Rachel Ruto. Your leadership and guidance are invaluable. I will work to the best of my ability to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, so help me God," Gitonga tweeted.

Good luck in your new assignment Michael.

Via The 254 Diary the254diary

30/12/2022

Celebrated journalist who worked as a news anchor Catherine Kasavuli has died aged 60.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Managing Director Samuel Maina has confirmed Kasavuli passed on last night.

"It is true. She passed on yesterday night. It is related to the cancer ailment that she's been bravely fighting in the recent past," Maina told Nation .

May God comfort her family, friends and fans.

27/12/2022

😂😂❤️❤️❤️

27/12/2022

Citizen TV and radio presenter Francis Gachuri confirms he was among those who suffered food poisoning that claimed their colleague's life. He thanked fans for get well soon messages saying he was out of danger and asked for prayers of counterparts still admitted in different hospitals across Nairobi.

One Royal Media Services (RMS) staff died from food poisoning linked to food supplied by a contracted private caterer over the Christmas working shift.

Seth Olale's Whatsapp status suggested he was among those who had suffered the food poisoning.

On his status he posted "It's well with my soul" which was interpreted to mourning departed colleague or his predicament.

Our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayers of speedy recovery to those recuperating.

27/12/2022

In a boost to Digital India, the government is set to digitise the office of the Registrar of Newspapers of India by or before March 31 next year. In yet another initiative, public broadcaster Prasar Bharati is in the process to monetise its premium content by syndicating with OTT platforms.

The step to promote digitisation in RNI comes months after the GoI launched a special campaign to w**d out scrap and paper files. Sources stated that Prasar Bharati and the ministry as well is cleaning up spaces and earning revenue from it

27/12/2022

SAD:
Royal Media Services staff member has succumbed to food poisoning incident. Several other staff members are hospitalised.

RMS Group Managing Director MD Wachira Waruru confirmed the company had contracted a private caterer to provide food for staff working during Christmas shift.

On Monday, December 26, several staff complained of severe stomach pains after eating the meals that were served by the service provider at RMS premises.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to inform the public that one staff member has unfortunately succumbed to the illness attributed to the suspected food poisoning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our deceased staff member during this difficult time," reads a statement by Waruru.

19/12/2022

Standard Group journalist Laban Cliff Onserio arrested by anti-Terrorism Police Unit after he was found with a gr***de at the basement of Holy Family Basilica Church in Nairobi on Sunday, December 18.

The church notified security agencies after Onserio threatened to detonate the explosive he had not declared to security officers.

The police have file a miscellaneous application seeking to detain him for five days and search his residences on suspicion he could be having several more Flash Bang Training Model gr***de.

28/11/2022

Police and other authorities have been asked to allow professional and accredited journalists to use mobile phones as media equipment.

Media Council of Kenya told the authorities to move with technology advancements.

Recently a Daily Nation journalist was allegedly assaulted by a security agent attached to DP Rigathi Gachagua's wife Dorcas when using phone to record event.

Media Council of Kenya called on security agencies and other authorities to allow accredited journalists to use mobile phones as part of their media equipment.

14/11/2022

The Light We Carry

Four years ago, when I released my memoir, Becoming, I traveled across the country and around the world, meeting so many incredible people—including many of you. It was a little bit scary to share so much of my story for the first time, but I was moved to see so many of you opening up and sharing your stories, too.

And then, the pandemic hit, leaving us isolated at home during a time of uncertainty. And like everyone else, I had a lot of questions about how to overcome anxiety and fear when it felt like the ground was moving beneath us—and I heard those questions from so many of you as well.

That’s when I began the writing process. I think of The Light We Carry as a toolbox of sorts. It’s a collection of practices and perspectives that I draw on when I need to stay balanced and confident, especially in times of anxiety and stress. Some of these tools are habits. Some are actual physical objects. Others are attitudes and beliefs from my ongoing journey of becoming.

I poured a lot into this book, and my hope is that it might give you some ideas for your own journey. Because even when the world feels dark and uncertain, we always have the ability to kindle our own light by looking inside ourselves and then sharing it with others.

With being released this Tuesday, I wanted to share some of the stories and ideas from my new book with all of you. I hope you’ll follow along. ❤️

13/11/2022

All six people who were onboard the two planes at the time of the crash were killed, a county official said.

13/11/2022

According to the Kwale County Drought Response Coordination Committee, 200,000 people spread in Kinango, Samburu, Shimba Hills, Matuga and Lunga Lunga sub counties are in dire need of food as a result of the ravaging drought.

07/11/2022

Celebrated News Anchor Catherine Kasavuli diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, hospitalised at Kenyatta National Hospital. She's in urgent need of blood, appeals to volunteers to help her get transfusion.

29/10/2022

In Pictures: Out-going Attorney-General (AG), Paul Kihara Kariuki (right) hands over the Constitution of Kenya to his successor, Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (former National Assembly Speaker) during a handing over ceremony at the AG’s Chambers, Nairobi.

27/08/2022

Kenya could be having its shortcoming as far as press freedom and freedom of expression is concerned but Zimbabwe's situation is wanting and needs urgent intervention.

The new threat is "law-fare", government coercing judicial officers to impose extreme punishment to those arbitrarily arrested for expressing themselves in a tone the gov't is intolerant too, despite it being a basic right.

29/07/2022

Is the Media Counci of Kenya press card being rendered less credible?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2450799051728923&id=100003965558447

14/07/2022

As of Wednesday, July 13, slightly over 4,000 out of 10,000 Media Council of Kenya accredited journalists had registered with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) to cover the August 9, General Election.

Voting will take place in 46, 231 polling centres, which if merged into polling centres, will only come down to about 22,000 centres.

13/07/2022

News anchor Brenda Kerubo leaves KTN.

This brings to an end her three years, seven months tenure at Standard Group as a news writer and podcast host.

Good luck in your next move Brenda Kerubo

04/06/2022

Kenya's Presidential Debate 2022 will go as scheduled despite Deputy President and Kenya Kwanza Coalition's Presidential flagbearer William Ruto threatening to abscond event.

The event is a joint initiative of Kenya Media Owners Association, Media Council of Kenya and Kenya Editors Guild among other stakeholders and gives the public a chance to participate.

In 2017 President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto absconded the event which Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga who was then the presidential candidate for National Super Alliance (NASA).

Raila is contesting for the top seat under the Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya Alliance in the forthcoming August 9, 2022 General Election.

11/05/2022

SAD News:

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Abu Akleh was covering an Israeli raid in West Bank when, together with colleagues, were shot at by the soldiers on Wednesday, May 11, morning.

Her producer Ali Samoudi was shot and is hospitalised with gun wounds on his back. Medics say he is stable.

Samoud said there were neither civilians nor militants in the area and that they were wearing jackets clearly marked PRESS.

"Their first shot missed, the second hit me and the third killed Shireen," he told AP.

Shaza Hanaysheh, a journalist with a Palestinian website who was in the company of Shireen and Samoudi shared the same testimony.

In a traumatising video, Shaza is seen shaken and unable to reach out to Abu Akleh because, whenever she stretched her hand out, the soldiers fired.

“We ran towards a tree for shelter when they began shooting. I reached the tree before Shireen and saw her falling down. The snipers continued firing even after she was on the ground. They fired every time I extended my hand to Shireen,” Sahaza narrated.

Shireen, 51, was born in Jerusalem and has American citizenship. She has worked for Al Jazeera since 1997.

09/05/2022

Journalist of the Year Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) 2022.

The AJEA 2022 10th edition happened at Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road on Friday, May 6.

During the event, 10 veteran journalists including Mutegi Njau, Catherine Kasavuli and Racheal Nakitare were inducted to the lifetime achievers award.

Congratulations Naipanoi Lepapa

05/05/2022

Self-censorship hinders media's role as a public watchdog. Commercial interests are greatest contributor to this.

03/05/2022

Tuesday, May 3, is World Press Freedom Day. The 2022 global theme is “Journalism Under Digital Siege”. The Kenyan theme should be "correspondents are journalists too".

This group of important news contributors that amplify the voices of the oppressed and voiceless people especially in the grassroots and hardship areas are treated like, for lack of a better word, trash by MANY media houses.

Despite the ever increasing cost of life, the payment per story in newspapers (ruler manenos) has hardly changed. There are still stories that are compensated at KSh 200.

Journalists, especially those covering health, sensitise the public and employers if having themselves and employees respectively under medical covers, yet many celebrates media houses can't pay the KSh 500 per month NHIF supa cover for their correspondents, leave alone NSSF.

It's not like correspondents can't pay this amount but, do they even a payslip in the first place? 😥 Do we even begin to talk about delayed salaries, paid late into mid next month.

Few have monthly retainers of between KSh 5000 and KSh 15,000 per month. Doubling or supplementing one's retainer isn't solely dependent on them but editors' decision to publish the correspondents' articles.

Don't even think of those that do not have retainers. For the patient correspondents, they've continued to live a life of constant financial challenges. For the impatient ones, extortion has become their side hustle. All these are a threat to objective journalism.

One thing the established media houses have struggled in vain to explain is why reporters get from over KSh 60k per month while correspondents would hardly get to that even with retainers yet their contribution is in MANY cases more of the same.

This is not in any way to undermine what reporters who are on permanent and pensionable or contractual terms that assures them of a constant monthly pay do. Some do even much more than they are offered, but some hardly even get to do half of what correspondents do.

This is a familiar problem in many newsrooms, especially what are referred to as mainstream or legacy media where when cost cutting needs arise, correspondents are easy targets yet some moribund desk heads who take in hundreds of thousands aren't touched, because of connections.

Many correspondents cannot subscribe to the professional bodies because of registration and monthly contributions, not because the unions and associations quote high subscription fees, but because what the journalists get is too small to satisfy personal basic needs.

Most correspondents have college diplomas and degrees. Some have been in newsrooms for over decades with zero promotion, zero salary increment and are neither covered under NHIF by their employers. So it's not a matter of qualification and efficiency.

During one meeting with Human Resource team from Nairobi (Headquarters of many media houses) in a bureau in mashinani, a HR officer blatantly told a correspondent that she should never ask for NHIF because she's not a company employee, but just a service provider contracted to offer some few services.

Forget not, these correspondents in bureaus or regional offices report to work Sunday to Sunday, of course on a local arrangement shift to have some off days.

Correspondents don't have leave days, uende leave ndio ukule nini 🤔. It means a female correspondent will have to find alternative source of income when they go for maternity leave. Sick isn't it?

There are no clear promotion guidelines in many newsrooms. I can be proven wrong on this by any media house that claims to have one. So journalists just work, give their best but if they get promoted and reasons for such elevations are blurry.

My friend once said that sometimes friendships and physical appearance would outdo merits in random promotions, of course with special interests.

This brings us to another concern, female journalists are exposed to sexual abuse, subtle or open at the hands of their direct and/or top bosses courtesy of the artificial vulnerability create my media houses management.

Lady correspondents and reporters can attest, several surveys done by organisations like ARTICLE 19 , Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) et al fortress my claim.

I remember there was a time in correspondent groups, lady colleagues would decry unfair treatment in the hands of SOME male bureau chiefs. Repelling advances meant their story ideas, especially features would go nowhere beyond the regional desks 😥.

News sources, politicians, masses and security agents included have easily harassed and threatened correspondents, because the latter are the media houses' representatives on the ground.

Such gaps, disparities and utter flouting of standard international Labour standards by media houses to me are a more serious threat to press freedom.

Couple this with trauma journalists encounter in the line of duty and we have a sick watchdog.

Media managers are aware if these situations. Some have normalised them while some few have tried confront them, only to meet rigid media owners who mint billions from these businesses.

It's time media owners be honest and address the employment conditions of news correspondents across the country. No single person makes a billion, it takes PEOPLE to work to make the biliions.

SAD Press Freedom Day.

The opinions made here are personal and don't reflect the position of any organisation I'm affiliated to directly or indirectly as an employee.

02/05/2022

Victor Bwire is the Director, Media Training and Development at the Media Council of Kenya.

"Stop thinking that anything that is fake news is digital media," he said to Nairobi Leo