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By Melisa Mong’ina
Nairobi, Kenya: Cheers, laughter, and a strong sense of sisterhood filled the room as the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) ushered in new board members and trustees to lead the organisation through the 2025-2027 term. The leaders were announced during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28th June 2025 in Nairobi.
The new leadership comprises brilliant media professionals, academics, and development specialists who will use their expertise, skills, and knowledge to ensure that AMWIK grows and achieves its agenda.
Robi Koki Ochieng, a well-known media and communication expert and current chair of the department of media and communication of the United States International University (USIU-Africa), was elected as the new chairperson, succeeding Dr. Jane Thuo.
Robi is also recognised for her tremendous work in gender equality and digital safety. She is joined by Elizabeth Limagur, a conflict reporting specialist with expertise in governance, as the vice chairperson, and Joyce Mbataru, a development communication expert, as the treasurer.
During her inaugural remarks, the newly elected chairperson, Robi Koki, highlighted a six-point ambitious agenda to be achieved during her tenure.
“Our leadership will focus on strengthening governance systems, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability. Equally crucial will be our commitment to member welfare, thought leadership, and embracing digital innovation to future-proof our organization,” she said.
She also pledged to work together with the secretariat and membership to advance the organisation’s feminist agenda.
“We recognize that our role is not to dictate but to facilitate and create an enabling environment where every media woman can thrive and lead,” added Robi.
The board also includes investigative journalist Mary Mwendwa of Talk Africa; Lynn Nzambi, a corporate communications specialist; Senior journalist Nancy Agutu of The Star; and Clara Micheni, a seasoned communications and public relations professional.
The leadership also extends to the board of trustees, including Anne Anjao, a respected media academic; Mercy Wairimu, a communication expert; and Victoria Masaya, a health and environment reporter.
The outgoing chairperson, Dr. Thuo, pointed out the tremendous work of the organisation during her tenure, highlighting the organisation’s growth and key achievements.
“When we took office in 2021, AMWIK was grappling with financial instability and declining donor confidence,” she recalled.
Adding “Through strategic reforms, we have not only stabilized but raised our funding by 260%, strengthened our governance systems, and expanded our membership base.”
She further urged the newly elected board to ensure that they have acquired permanent premises and to also innovate member-value propositions.
Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of AMWIK, shared highlights from 2024, describing it as a year of tremendous challenges and groundbreaking impact.
She underscored that the organization led critical conversations on journalists’ safety during anti-Finance Bill protests and continued to champion gender equality through the G7 Women Governors Initiative and advocacy around Kenya’s rising femicide cases.
Looking forward, the organization plans to strengthen its efforts to protect women journalists from online harassment by deepening its gender and media advocacy.
AMWIK will also prioritize resource mobilization by diversifying funding beyond traditional donor grants. The new leadership’s goal is to ensure membership growth and will engage all members in their current initiatives.
As the new chapter begins, members are expecting good governance from their new leaders. With renewed energy and bold vision, AMWIK is set to continue championing women’s voices in media, strengthening its role as a powerful force for gender equality, press freedom, and transformative leadership in Kenya and beyond.
