Association of Freelance Journalists Officials posing with CEO of MCK
By Talk Africa Reporter
Nairobi, Kenya: The Association of Freelance Journalists (AFJ) recently held a meeting with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to discuss critical issues affecting freelance journalists and strengthening of partnership.
David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council (MCK), chaired the meeting. 
The two organizations discussed a raft of issues including the urge to accredit Freelance Journalists, Mentorship and training of the Freelance Journalists.
CEO MCK David Omwoyo Presents A Protection Jacket to AFJ President Winnie Kamau

“We recognize the crucial contribution of freelance journalists in the media space. As the body charged with media regulation in Kenya, we expect freelance journalists to uphold professionalism”, said the CEO of the council, David Omwoyo.

“As we look out for the interests of  Freelance  Journalists we are glad that a firm collaboration with the Media Council is a good start that our Journalists will have an opportunity to be trained,” said Winnie Kamau the President of AFJ.
AFJ President, Winnie Kamau

Omwoyo also emphasized the need for all Journalists to be accredited “All freelance journalists should be accredited by the Media Council to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to benefit from our support in various areas like training, grants and safety response”, said Omwoyo.

Adding “By accrediting with us you are not only protecting the dignity of the profession, but you also have the advantage to protect yourself in case of threats to your safety”, he urged.
It was noted that the accreditation of Freelance Journalists is key to ensuring that they ply their trade without fear of harassment.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo

Christine Nguku, Assistant Director Training and Curriculum Development at the Media Council committed that all accredited Journalists would have access to a 5 unit training on Investigative reporting, code of conduct, and ethics.

She also urged on the need for Freelance Journalists to invest in equipment that will come in handy in their line of work.” During training, I usually tell freelance Journalists to own basic gadgets like a smartphone, and a computer.” said Christine.
AFJ Officials Robert Wanjala and Lillian Museka listening to MCK CEO Omwoyo

The Council envisions opening several Journalism Hubs around the country to give space to freelance journalists and correspondents noting that many bureaus established by media houses had closed them due to the effects of the ongoing global pandemic, covid-19. 

“We also plan to deploy mentors around the country to help media stations in the region during the 2022 General Election we don’t want parachute Journalism,” said Omwoyo.
The meeting concluded with an upcoming signing of an MOU between AFJ and MCK which will ensure we build the capacity of our Freelance Journalists through training and mentorship.

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