Journalists across the country have been urged to support each other amid hard economic times.
In an annual gathering under the umbrella of Scribes Kenya, the journalists were encouraged to check on their colleagues amid calls to pay a special focus on their mental health.
The Association’s President Ronclif Odit said it is an open secret that media houses across the country are facing common challenges of dwindling revenues from advertisements.
This, Odit said has put media owners in a tight corner leaving them with no option but to right size in efforts to meet operational costs.
“Tuambiane tu ukweli, uchumi ni mbaya na mambo zi mazuri. Kuna wenzetu ambao wameachishwa kazi kwa sababu gharama imekua ghali, ila sisi kama jamii lazima tuzidi kushirikiana na kuwajulia hali wale ambao wameadhirika,” said Odit.
(Let us tell each other the truth, the economy is doing badly and things are not right within the media fraternity. We have colleagues who have been laid off due to high operational costs to keep the business afloat. But as a media fraternity, we should keep on checking on each other)
Every end year, with membership of over 320 journalists drawn from all reporting fields, Scribes Kenya with communication experts and other experts gather to take stock of the year, share a meal and fete those who have doing exceptionally well in various aspects.
This year’s gathering took place at The LB Lounge in Ngong.
Odit said despite the prevailing challenges, media remains a strong player in shaping national development processes while at the same time being the most trusted institution.
“This is why today we are gathered here so that we can share some of the challenges we have encountered and forge a common way on how to move forward,” he said.
The president said many journalists throughout the year have braced for legal hurdles, physical threats, and intimidation from state officers and advertisers among other players.
“We cannot run away from the fact editorial influencing by corporates/owners and advertisers, censorship, physical threats, corruption, poor working conditions and mass layoffs are among challenges that stand out in the face of free and independent media,” Odit said.
He added that the current economic turbulence that journalists have to deal with as a result of dwindling revenues from advertisement calls for new ways of doing things.
“Dear colleagues, it does not hurt if you support a colleague who is at their lowest. Let us embrace the art of uplifting each other and those who are in decision-making positions must advocate for better remuneration,” he said.
Odit further challenged those who have secured employment with international media houses to share job opportunities with local comrades.
At the event, Nakuru-based photographer and journalist Suleiman Mbatiah was feted for his resilience in embracing digital technology and creating a niche in the digital space.
Other journalists who were celebrated include Kameme TV host Agnes Nonsizi, Radio Maisha’s Billy Miya, BBC radio presenters Phylis Mwatee and Sarafina Robi, K24’s Busara Naaman, and Zakheem Rajan, a senior communications officer from the Judiciary.