Kenyan journalist Rukia Bulle named 2024 BBC Komla Dumor Award winner

Rukia Bulle, a journalist from Nation Media Group, has been named the winner of the prestigious 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.

The award, which honours the late Ghanaian journalist Komla Dumor, was established to recognise outstanding African journalists.

Dumor, a renowned BBC World News presenter, passed away suddenly at the age of 41 in 2014.

At just 26 years old, Bulle becomes the ninth recipient of the award. She currently works for NTV, where she specialises in human interest stories.

The BBC praised her ability to tackle difficult topics and bring attention to under-represented voices.

"The judges were impressed by Bulle’s resilience, her focus on highlighting under-represented voices, and her strong on-air presence," the BBC stated.

The judging panel for this year included Ehizojie Okharedia, Senior News Editor at BBC World Service; Magnus McGrandle, Senior News Editor at BBC News Channels; and Lydia Namubiru, Editor-in-Chief of The Continent.

Upon receiving the award, Bulle expressed her gratitude and dedication to continuing Komla Dumor’s legacy.

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"Winning this award means a great deal to me. As a journalist, you constantly strive to do your best, regardless of recognition, so to be acknowledged on a global stage through the Komla Dumor Award is incredibly validating," she said.

"Komla was one of the best journalists of his generation; he epitomised the true essence of journalism: truth, accuracy, and objectivity. This award fuels my passion and motivates me to become an even better journalist."

Tarik Kafala, Acting Director of the BBC World Service, welcomed Bulle as the latest recipient of the award and highlighted the significant impact previous winners have had in the field of public service journalism.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rukia Bulle as this year’s winner and look forward to supporting her in London during her placement. Komla Dumor was a passionate champion of African stories, and we are proud to continue his legacy through this award," Kafala said.

As part of her award, Bulle will spend three months in London, working with BBC News teams across television, radio, and online. She will also receive training and mentorship from leading BBC journalists.

Bulle is the third Kenyan journalist to receive this award, following in the footsteps of Waihiga Mwaura (2018) and Victoria Rubadiri (2020).

Previous recipients of the award include Paa Kwesi Asare, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, Solomon Serwanjja, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure, and Nancy Kacungira.