This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the livelihoods of many in Kenya, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has taken a commendable step to support its members who have been financially impacted.
Launched in recent weeks, the initiative has seen dozens of journalists come together to form a committee that coordinates fundraising and the distribution of food and essential products to colleagues in need.
So far, twenty-two journalists have received this vital assistance, with the KUJ's General Secretary, Erick Oduor, being the driving force behind the initiative.
One of the coordinators, Luke Awich, highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, particularly those working as correspondents in areas with limited network coverage.
"Imagine if a correspondent lives and works in areas with no network, how are they going to file their stories? If one can't file a story, that means at the end of the month there will be no pay," Awich said.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, welcomed the KUJ's solidarity initiative, calling on authorities to support media workers in Kenya.
"In times of crisis, unions have again shown that workers are stronger when they are together. We welcome the KUJ's solidarity initiative and call on the authorities to support media workers in Kenya," Bellanger said.
