The station which is owned by Trans World Radio Kenya, a renowned international organization for the production of quality development programs, has for the second running year won fairly a number of prestigious Media Council of Kenya Annual Awards (AJEA) in several categories. The awards are the peak of celebrations to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day observed on 3rd May.

In 2021, Sifa FM’s bagged three MCK AJEA awards This year was not an exception. Sifa FM stations scooped three more significant MCK AJEA 2022 Awards. The three comprised the Best Prime Time Bulletin Radio Category, Agriculture and Food Security Radio Category, and the Pen Award Radio Category. It was a pleasant surprise for Atoo Sifa, the youngest of the Sifa Stations to emerge winner in the Best Prime Time Bulletin Category among 186 FM radio stations in Kenya.

“Atoo Sifa Kakuma winning the best prime bulleting award was the icing on the cake for us because this is a station that is less than two years on air. It is amazing to see God’s favor and goodness because the station also has been through some challenges but they have been able to rise from each of those challenges and with the help of the General Manager Pamela Omwodo, put their best foot forward and it has been recognized. So what more can I say than Glory to God and say thank you to the team.” Cheered the TWR-Kenya executive director.

On his part, Atoo Sifa Station manager Joshua Juma revealed the secret behind the station’s achievements.

“Best Prime Time Bulletin award granted to Atoo Sifa was a result of diligence, audience support, teamwork, and a Transworld Radio Kenya winner-oriented management.” Disclosed Atoo Sifa Station manager, Joshua Juma.

Sifa Voi’s Linah Mwamachi, won two more momentous awards in different categories in the Pen Award Radio category and Agriculture and Food Award Categories as Linda Akoth Msagha of Sifa FM Voi and Albert Mwadime Mwanyasi of Sifa FM Marsabit were both shortlisted in different categories.

“On that particular day, while seated, I was praying to be announced the winner” says Lina. “I am very sure my competitors were also praying silently, since we were all destined to win.”

Owing to the excellent performance, the General station manager, Pamela Omwodo could not hide her joy and commended the Sifa FM stations team work.

“The awards we won this year are a wonderful way of celebrating thirteen years of God’s faithfulness in serving communities in some of Kenya’s most marginalized counties. Excellence is of God and we are glad that His hand is supporting Sifa FM Stations and its journalists.  We thank our partners for supporting us and our listeners for their loyalty and love for Sifa FM Stations. This is just but the beginning and we are not turning back.  Watch this space!” Accented the GM.

On the other hand, Linda Akoth Msagha of Sifa FM Voi is glad to have been part of the nominees of AJEA Kenya’s prestigious journalism awards. She relates how this year the awards have been exceptionally awesome and the surprise of being among the finalist in Agriculture and Food Security Radio Category.

“It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It was wonderful not only to be recognized, but to also see my name amongst some of Kenya’s finest journalists. To be on the final list allowed me to reflect on my journey towards greater achievements ahead. It also catapulted me to work extra hard. With this recognition I hope to produce more stories, polish my work and push for a win in the upcoming awards.”

“It was a big step for Sifa FM Voi and its finest journalists appearing on the MCK AJEA 2021 & 2022 Awards nominees and winning many awards in the second year running. We have made a name in Taita Taveta County and our journalists have put us on the global map,” says Edgar Kalimbo, the Sifa Voi Station Manager.

Worth writing about is the last born in a family of four and a triple-award winning Kenyan journalist, Albert Mwadime Mwanyasi. The MCK AJEA 2021 Winner could not hide his joy for having been a nominee in the Gender and Health categories which both had the highest number of entries this year compared to the previous years.

“This is the most memorable awards I have participated in so far. Being a finalist in the two categories means a lot to me. It means there is something special am doing as far as feature story production and submission of the same for awards,” notes Albert.

His station manager, Mike Kwoba recognizes him as a consistent journalist with passion to reach greater heights.

“It has been an amazing journey to work with Albert who is a mentor to the upcoming journalists at Sifa FM Marsabit station.

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 in the recent past. These include the station having been shortlisted among the 2022 KUZA Communications Authority of Kenya Awards finalist.

In conclusion the TWR-Kenya executive director, Dr. Bernice Gatere expressed her well-deserved congratulatory messages to the Sifa FM stations and the entire TWR-Kenya network for the KUZA awards nominations.

“We also want to thank God that we were shortlisted finalist in the KUZA wards, we are convinced that we would have taken some awards home if it weren’t for some administrative and compliance issues that we are working through. We know that this is just the beginning of greater things in store because we have God on our side and He is helping us to work hard. So congratulations once more.” Concluded the executive director.