The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has adopted a new constitution aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and member protection.
The document, prepared by a seven-member Constitution Review Committee led by SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora, was ratified during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 14, held in Nairobi.
The new constitution replaces the one that has been in existence since 2014.
SJAK Secretary-General Moses Wakhisi said the review process had been a priority following resolutions of the previous AGM, adding that the association could not afford to continue operating under outdated rules.
“The constitutional review process has remained an important institutional matter following discussions and resolutions of the previous AGM,” Wakhisi said.
“A modern association requires a modern governance framework. Our constitution must clearly define responsibilities, protect members’ rights, strengthen accountability, provide credible electoral processes and safeguard institutional continuity. It should outlive all of us,” he said.
“Our responsibility is therefore to leave SJAK with stronger governance structures than those we inherited. Looking forward, I believe SJAK should concentrate on several strategic priorities.”
The key changes include a clearer separation of roles between the National Executive Committee and the secretariat, term limits for office bearers, a dispute resolution mechanism, and stricter guidelines on elections and financial management.
Wambora, who chaired the review panel, said consultations were held with members to ensure the document reflects the needs of the majority of journalists in the association.
“It took months of research to write the new constitution, going through the document line by line. We want something that members will be proud of for years to come, something that will stand the test of time,” Wambora said.
Delegates at the AGM unanimously voted to ratify and immediately adopt the new constitution, noting that a robust constitutional framework would protect the association from internal wrangles and enhance its credibility when engaging with the Government, federations and sponsors.
SJAK Chairman James Waindi said the association had continued to grow, with 24 new members joining since the previous AGM.
“Our association continues to expand. We have successfully welcomed new members since our last AGM, proving that the association remains a vital home for sports storytellers,” he said.
He said the association recognizes the intense pressure of daily newsroom deadlines and field assignments and is prioritizing the holistic health of members by organizing free medical camps to monitor their general physical and mental well-being.
Meanwhile, the association held its second indoor games as it seeks to broaden members’ understanding of sports beyond football and athletics.
“Apart from our outdoor sports day programme, which has a longstanding tradition, we introduced the SJAK indoor games last year to help members understand more indoor sports and embrace the culture of all-round journalism,” Waindi said.
Waindi said the indoor games were introduced to complement the association’s long standing outdoor sports day and promote all-round journalism.
“We cannot only write about what we watch. As sports journalists, we must also experience different disciplines to tell better stories. Indoor sports teach strategy, patience and precision qualities that are also needed in our newsrooms.” he said.
The day featured competitions in darts and chess, among other indoor disciplines.SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora emerged as the women’s winner in darts, while Martin Cheruiyot of KASS FM took the men’s honours.
In chess, SJAK President James Waindi emerged as the overall winner, ahead of Anita Omwenga of MyGov, who also clinched the women’s title. The indoor games were sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya.
The event, which was inaugurated last year at the Goan Institute, aims to help members of the sports media fraternity appreciate and understand the dynamics of indoor sports beyond football and athletics, which dominate the headlines.
By Anita Omwenga
