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By Gideon Mutembei
Nairobi, Kenya: The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) in conjunction with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) held a two day workshop at a Nairobi Hotel to sensitize journalists on the importance of trade union and the role it plays in dispute resolution and championing the welfare of its members.
The workshop was attended by a diverse cross section of media workers including freelancers, Technical operators and Camera crews among others.
During the workshop Journalists narrated the unfair engagement by Media owners including poor working environment with no protective gear provided to shield them from harm.
A journalist revealed that despite performing multiple roles—camera operator, lighting technician, sound engineer, and technical operator—most journalists payslips only reflects a single contracted position. This discrepancy makes it difficult for the employer to justify the specific role and the inadequate remuneration of such employees.
Poor engagement practices also affect those contracted by international firms. There were claims that some media owners operate outside the country and some favored foreign journalists over local Journalists in terms of pay and stipends.
This practice leads to a significant disparity in remuneration between local and foreign employees, even when performing similar roles within the same country of operation.
These sentiments were strongly condemned by Pa Louis Thomasi Regional Director International Federation of Journalist (IFJ) terming the situation as a big joke, the unionist also cited employers denying workers contracts, poor wages, lack of social security, unpaid leave, job insecurity and other forms of exploitation as an ongoing issues
“This situation is a big joke, freelance Journalists ought to have a minimum standard of payment and you should not allow yourself to be exploited” urged Comrade Thomasi.
Kenya Union of Journalist Secretary General Eric Oduor said that the union remains firm in its vision of a Champion of workers’ rights. He urged Freelance Journalists to ensure they have written contracts and always negotiate a valuable deal.
“Always negotiate a good deal and always know your value in the market” said Eric.
Ibrahim Oduor the KUJ Legal advisor who was among the key speakers. The legal expert shared insights on the employment and labour rights in Kenya and practical ways to address these challenges.
“It is true that a Contract is a specific type of agreement that is legally enforceable, meaning it can be upheld in a Court of law,” said Lawyer Ibrahim.
The workshop culminated in a resounding call for unity among journalists, especially freelancers and emerging professionals, urging them to actively join the union. This initiative aims to bolster their collective voice and ensure better working conditions across the industry.
A significant development anticipated from this workshop is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Association of Freelance Journalists.
“We accept this MoU and look forward to joining as the firstborn of the Union as an affiliate and working to ensure Freelance Journalists are protected and empowered in the union” said Winnie Kamau the President of Association of Freelance Journalists.
This MoU is expected to formalize the latter’s affiliation with the KUJ, granting freelance journalists the benefits and protections offered by the larger union while retaining their unique identity and advocacy within the media landscape.
