The prestigious Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) Gala Dinner Ceremony took place in April 2024 at the opulent Grand Ballroom of the Edge Conference Centre. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism. The event gathered esteemed journalists, media executives, and distinguished guests from around the African Continent to honour the exemplary work that has significantly contributed to the field of journalism over the past year.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, renowned journalist and news anchor, Johnson Mwakazi. He set an inspiring tone for the evening by highlighting the crucial role of journalism in upholding excellence and the importance of ethical reporting in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
The Sifa FM stations owned by Trans World Radio Kenya, has won in quite a number of the AJEA in diverse categories. The awards are the peak of celebrations to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day marked globally on 3rd May to recognize and celebrate excellence and professionalism in media industry in Kenya.
In 2021, the station bagged three MCK AJEA awards including Investigative reporting Award, Environment Reporting Award and Best Grantee Award. The following year SIFA managed to scoop three historic AJEA 2022 accolades in agriculture and food security radio category, the Pen Award Radio category and the Best Prime Time Bulletin radio category which was won by the youngest of all the Sifa FM radio stations Atoo Sifa, barely six months after its establishment.
Last year 2023, the Marsabit team under Sifa FM Marsabit performed exemplary, with four journalists managing to be among the finest journalists in Kenya to be feted in an extremely competitive professional awarding process for the best Investigative radio category, the best production radio category and the Agriculture and Food Security radio category. Michael Kwoba Susan Mbodze and Samuel Geno as the Sifa Marsabit team won all these. The latter was the first category to be announced during this year’s AJEA awards ceremony with Mathew Wario Fayo, emerging winner.
The winning culture of the station and its journalists is replicated in other various prestigious accolades that Sifa FM Stations and staff have participated in the recent past. This includes being shortlisted among the 2022 KUZA Communications Authority of Kenya Awards finalist and participating in this year’s KUZA 2024 for the People’s Choice Radio Station.
It is important to note that Sifa FM was recognized by the MSK Director Media Training and Development Mr. Victor Bwire, for the quality Media Productions in the stiff shift competitive space dominated by veteran FM stations.
“Radio for many years was dominated by Mombasa Radio Stations. Sifa Radios is a group of radio stations with fantastic stories.” said Mr. Victor Bwire, Director Media Training and Development (MSK).
“We are glad to be shortlisted as finalists for stories we submitted as jointly as a team. Congratulations to other team members Sue Mbodze and Samuel of Sifa FM Marsabit.” Michael Kwoba, Station Manager, Sifa FM Marsabit.
Attending the Celebrations awards ceremony was the General Manager Sifa FM Stations Ltd, Tish Munga who also congratulated the team for the exemplary show of excellence in their teamwork.
The Transworld Radio and Sifa FM Stations Executive Director also congratulated the Sifa FM Marsabit team for their excellent work and managing to scoop the awards in the various categories. ’Congratulations Mike Kwoba and team Marsabit for the excellent work Glory be to God’’ Dr. Bernice Gatere.
The Chief Guest of the occasion, The Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya, Honourable Justin Muturi also congratulated all journalists for being at the fore front of professionalism and integrity in the media industry in Kenya. Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Attorney General called out journalists to be guardians of journalistic ethics and information dissemination. “Journalists are guardians of truth, and their credibility depends on the adherence to ethical standards, thus excellence.” Honourable Justin Muturi.
The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue their vital work in journalism.
Written by Desmond Tutu
Edited by Winnie Onyimbo
