Eleven alumni from the Aga Khan University's Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) were among journalists feted at this year's Media Council of Kenya Annual Journalism Excellence Awards.
Among the honourees, four alumni of GSMC's Master of Arts in Digital Journalism programme stood out for their remarkable contributions. Henix Obuchunju was awarded the first Runner Up prize in the Best Investigative Story (Digital) category, while John Muthoni secured the first Runner Up position in Development and Public Affairs reporting (Print). Zeynab Wandati received the first Runner Up award in Environment and Climate Change reporting (TV), and Gandy Chacha was first Runner Up in the Agriculture and Food Security reporting (Print) category.
Complementing the achievements of GSMC's alumni, seven winners emerged from the Nation Media Lab, a four-month programme designed to equip journalists with practical skills in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. Mercy Chelangat was recognized as the winner of Gender Reporting (Print), Ruth Sarmwei excelled in Gender Reporting (Digital), and Ngina Kirori shone in Best Investigative Story (TV) category. Additionally, Hellen Shikanda and Agatha Gichana were acknowledged for their outstanding investigative reporting, while Edna Mwenda and Daniel Ogetta were celebrated for their contributions to breaking news reporting.
“These extraordinary alumni epitomize the highest standards of journalism, captivating audiences with their compelling storytelling, unwavering commitment to truth, and utmost professionalism," said Professor Nancy Booker, Dean at GSMC. “Their accomplishments not only bring honour to the Graduate School of Media and Communications but also inspire future journalists to pursue excellence in their craft, upholding the vital role of journalism in a democratic society."
The Media Council of Kenya Annual Journalism Excellence Awards is a significant event that celebrates excellence and innovation within the Kenyan journalism landscape. The awards ceremony coincides with the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the importance of a free and vibrant press in fostering democracy and promoting transparency.
Eleven alumni from the Aga Khan University's Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) were among journalists feted at this year's Media Council of Kenya Annual Journalism Excellence Awards.
Among the honourees, four alumni of GSMC's Master of Arts in Digital Journalism programme stood out for their remarkable contributions. Henix Obuchunju was awarded the first Runner Up prize in the Best Investigative Story (Digital) category, while John Muthoni secured the first Runner Up position in Development and Public Affairs reporting (Print). Zeynab Wandati received the first Runner Up award in Environment and Climate Change reporting (TV), and Gandy Chacha was first Runner Up in the Agriculture and Food Security reporting (Print) category.
Complementing the achievements of GSMC's alumni, seven winners emerged from the Nation Media Lab, a four-month programme designed to equip journalists with practical skills in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. Mercy Chelangat was recognized as the winner of Gender Reporting (Print), Ruth Sarmwei excelled in Gender Reporting (Digital), and Ngina Kirori shone in Best Investigative Story (TV) category. Additionally, Hellen Shikanda and Agatha Gichana were acknowledged for their outstanding investigative reporting, while Edna Mwenda and Daniel Ogetta were celebrated for their contributions to breaking news reporting.
“These extraordinary alumni epitomize the highest standards of journalism, captivating audiences with their compelling storytelling, unwavering commitment to truth, and utmost professionalism," said Professor Nancy Booker, Dean at GSMC. “Their accomplishments not only bring honour to the Graduate School of Media and Communications but also inspire future journalists to pursue excellence in their craft, upholding the vital role of journalism in a democratic society."
The Media Council of Kenya Annual Journalism Excellence Awards is a significant event that celebrates excellence and innovation within the Kenyan journalism landscape. The awards ceremony coincides with the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the importance of a free and vibrant press in fostering democracy and promoting transparency.