This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
On Tuesday, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) was proud to see two of its journalists feted at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards held at Serena hotel.
The awards, organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), aim to celebrate excellence in journalism annually and identify areas of capacity need for journalists and media practitioners to maintain standards of excellence in the profession.
According to the council, the key objectives of the awards are to identify, celebrate and maintain excellence in journalism and the media industry in general, recognize journalists who have demonstrated high standards of reportage and ethics in their work, and to identify areas of capacity need for journalists and media practitioners to maintain standards of excellence in the profession.
Out of 1,119 entries received following the call for submissions announced on March 8, 2021, 120 stories were shortlisted and subjected to a two-phase judging process. The awards ceremony was presided over by acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu alongside the council’s Chairman Maina Muiruri and CEO David Omwoyo.
Isaack Lemoka won in the radio category for best Covid-19 reporting, while Lourdes Walusala took home the award for best radio production. The virtual awards aimed to challenge journalists to achieve the highest standards of ethics in the profession and practice of journalism and inspire journalists to play their role in upholding democracy, integrity and accountability in society.
Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu noted that during the lockdown, the importance of the media to keep everyone informed has been magnified. She emphasized the importance of reliable information and the role of journalists in tackling misinformation through verification and ensuring accuracy.
CEO David Omwoyo noted that the council has seen journalists being under pressure and threats, and as the 4th state, they can only turn to the judiciary for support.
