Zubeidah Kananu has been re-elected as President of the Kenya Editors Guild, narrowly defeating Yvonne Okwara. In a virtual election, Frances Openda was elected unopposed as Vice President. The new leadership faces critical challenges in the media landscape, emphasizing sustainability and advocacy for journalists. KEG reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom.
Zubeidah Kananu has been re-elected as President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) in a fiercely contested virtual election that took place on Saturday. Kananu, representing Standard Media Group, secured her position by a close margin, winning 72 votes compared to Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, who garnered 58. This marks Kananu’s second consecutive term leading the guild.
In this election, Frances Openda from Radio Africa Group was elected unopposed as Vice President, indicating a strong preference for stability in the leadership. Also notable is Agnes Mwangangi of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, who outperformed Toepista Nabusoba to claim the Council Member for Radio seat. Dr. Julius Bosire from the Technical University of Kenya replaced Nathan Masambu of Daystar University in the academia representation.
While many positions saw no contests, names like Millicent Awuor (Council Member for Television), Linda Bach (Print Representative), and Kenfrey Kiberenge (Online Media Representative) were confirmed swiftly. Additionally, trustees Ruth Nesoba, Martin Masai, and Ng’ang’a Mbugua were elected without challenge.
The election oversight was managed by Sophie Kalbiria, a lawyer affiliated with the Law Society of Kenya, ensuring a transparent process. The outgoing council consisted of Kananu, Nesoba, and several key members dedicated to navigating the guild through challenging times.
Before the election, KEG highlighted significant issues affecting the Kenyan media landscape, like the fierce competition with digital platforms, major layoffs, and the decline in advertising revenue. The fresh leadership is now expected to tackle these challenges, focusing on media sustainability, fair compensation for journalists, and regulatory reforms to enhance press freedom.
The guild emphasized its commitment in a statement: “The Kenya Editors Guild remains committed to championing media sustainability, fair compensation for journalism in the digital economy, and the protection of press freedom.” This is an essential pledge given the current pressures facing journalism in the country.
In other updates today, Kenya is also responding to global health challenges as it seeks to reduce snakebite fatalities. Law enforcement has made notable arrests related to a phone theft spree worth Sh3 million in Nairobi. Murkomen is promising a thorough investigation following the tragic killing of a priest in Kerio Valley. Lastly, new government appointments across several ministries have been announced.
Zubeidah Kananu’s re-election as the Kenya Editors Guild president highlights a commitment to addressing pressing challenges faced by the media in Kenya. With a fresh leadership team, the focus will shift toward sustainability, fair compensation, and safeguarding press freedoms in an evolving digital landscape. The election outcomes reflect the ongoing need for adaptability and resilience in the journalism sector in Kenya.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
