A record 1,256 entries have been received for this year’s Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA), up from 1,142 entries in 2022, with Gender Reporting category leading with 193 entries. The Health Reporting category led last year with 187 entries.
The Cartoonist of the Year category recorded the lowest entries with five journalists submitting their works. The Press Freedom Pen category recorded the lowest entries last year.
Media Council of Kenya’s Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire says AJEA is a critical initiative of the Council which seeks to recognise and motivate journalists to excel in their trade.
“This is the best way through which we can appreciate journalists who give their best to inform the world despite numerous challenges”, he said.
Mr Bwire commended the veteran media professionals who have extended their expertise to support in nominating stories that will battle it out for the top honours.
“We are pleased with the experienced nomination panel overseeing the first phase of the process and we are optimistic of quality entries come the judging process”, he said.
Notable observations
Environment and Climate Change Reporting category has recorded 44 entries compared to 168 last year while the Agriculture and Food Security category has recorded an increase from 93 last year to 148 in 2023.
“The growing interest in coverage of matters agriculture and food security is commendable and should be encouraged. However, the drastic drop in submissions to the climate change reporting category should be interrogated as this is a major thematic area given the ravaging effects of climate change”, says MCK Assistant Director for Training and Curriculum Development Christine Nguku.
AJEA is one of the Council’s flagship events that recognises and awards journalists who have demonstrated adherence to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, and creativity in gathering and presentation of editorial media content.
The crème de la crème of Kenya’s journalists will be feted on 4th May 2023 as the culmination of the 2023 World Press Freedom Day.
During the event, the Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding lifetime contribution to journalism in Kenya, will be unveiled. The judging panel will identify the individual whose work and contribution to the field and society should serve as a model that inspires excellence in others.
The Nomination Panel chaired by Rachel Ombaka comprises Andrew Teyie, Ann Mikia, Odeo Sirari, Wanyama Chebusiri, Owino Opondo, David Okwembah and Secretary Paul Nabiswa.