Zubeidah Kananu Re-elected as President of Kenya Editors Guild Amid Election Challenges

Zubeidah Kananu has been re-elected as President of the Kenya Editors Guild, narrowly defeating Yvonne Okwara. The election saw several other key positions filled, emphasizing media’s challenges like competition from digital platforms and financial difficulties. The newly elected leadership is committed to advocating for fair compensation and regulatory reforms.

Zubeidah Kananu has successfully secured re-election as the President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) after a contentious voting process that took place virtually this past Saturday. The outcome saw Kananu garner 72 votes, narrowly defeating her opponent Yvonne Okwara from Citizen TV, who received 58 votes. This victory marks the beginning of Kananu’s second two-year term in leadership.

In addition to the presidential election, Francis Openda from Radio Africa Group has been elected as Vice President, having gone uncontested for the position. Meanwhile, Agnes Mwangangi from the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation won the Council Member for Radio seat, determining her victory over Toepista Nabusoba. Furthermore, Dr. Julius Bosire from the Technical University of Kenya will represent academia on the council after edging out Nathan Masambu of Daystar University.

Several other council positions were filled without contest. Millicent Awuor was appointed Council Member for Television, while Linda Bach will serve as the Print Representative. Kenfrey Kiberenge was selected as the Online Media Representative. Additionally, Ruth Nesoba, Martin Masai, and Ng’ang’a Mbugua will serve as trustees of the guild, all without contest.

The election was overseen by Sophie Kalbiria, a member of the Law Society of Kenya and an advocate. The outgoing council, which Kananu leads, included prominent figures such as Vice President Ruth Nesoba and council members Millicent Awuor and Linda Bach.

Ahead of the elections, the KEG highlighted critical issues affecting Kenyan media, including the heavy competition posed by digital platforms, layoffs within newsrooms, and declining advertising revenues. The newly elected leadership faces the significant task of guiding the industry towards greater sustainability and innovation, with an emphasis on championing fair compensation from tech platforms and enacting regulatory reforms aimed at safeguarding press freedom.

In a statement regarding these issues, the KEG reaffirmed its commitment to media sustainability and protection of journalistic integrity, particularly in light of challenges presented by the digital economy. “The Kenya Editors Guild remains committed to championing media sustainability, fair compensation for journalism in the digital economy, and the protection of press freedom,” the statement concluded.

Zubeidah Kananu’s re-election as President of the Kenya Editors Guild underscores her leadership amidst a challenging landscape for the media in Kenya. The newly elected council carries the responsibility of advocating for the industry’s sustainability, fair compensation, and regulatory reforms to protect press freedoms. As the media landscape continues to evolve with digital impacts, their work will be pivotal in ensuring journalism remains robust and resilient in Kenya.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke