Journalists in Homa Bay have taken a bold step towards improving their welfare after the formation of the Homa Bay County Press Club, an initiative that has drawn praise from the Media Council of Kenya.
Speaking during an engagement forum with members of the new club, Victor Bwire, the Council’s Director of Media Training and Development, described the formation as a milestone in the fight to improve the lives of journalists across the county.
He said they have long advocated for the creation of press clubs countrywide, as they are vital platforms for uniting journalists and exploring strategies to support them economically.
Bwire admitted that it is not easy working as a journalist, pointing out that reporters grapple with numerous challenges, from delayed, inconsistent, and meagre pay to security and safety issues, the soaring cost of living, and, like many other parents, the struggle to keep their children in school.
The director said when registered with relevant authorities like the Ministry of Culture and county governments, press clubs can foster solidarity, improve mental health, and open doors for economic opportunities.
Beyond moral support, he said the Media Council will help the members to access resources such as computers, internet connection, and platforms where they can publish their work alongside training on content monetisation to empower members to generate income from their stories.
“We want journalists here to sell their news beyond Kenya. Homa Bay has unique stories that, if packaged well, can reach markets beyond Kenya,” he implied.
Bwire added that the initiative would provide stability for journalists while fostering the sustainability and viability of the media sector.
He noted that although many in the profession view the future of journalism as uncertain, it remains an essential pillar of society.
“Journalism is a critical pillar of democracy, and without it, there is no accountability because it is the media that holds power to account, monitors progress, and drives development,” he emphasised.
He encouraged members to collaborate on setting up studios for podcasts, broadcasts, and other productions, rather than relying on external aid, and at the same time urged them to focus on community-centered stories, particularly human-interest stories highlighting health, service delivery, and development issues.
Henry Paul Gichana, a research and devolution expert at Katiba Institute, echoed Bwire’s sentiments, emphasising the constitutional importance of journalism, citing Article 35 on the right to information.
Gichana added that journalists are not just storytellers but custodians of democratic values, ensuring that the ideals and goals of the constitution translate into real development and improved public services.
“Journalists play a vital role in ensuring accountability in service delivery. Through platforms like this, we sensitise them on the constitutional basis of their work, especially under Article 35, which guarantees the right to access information. This knowledge is essential in promoting transparency and better governance at the county level,” said Gichana.
By Sitna Omar
