The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) welcomed 22 new fully paid-up members at its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Friday, November 14, signaling a steady growth even as the media industry contends with mounting commercial pressures.
SJAK President James Waindi told members that the association’s expanding roster, now approaching 250, was evidence of its resilience amid a media environment marked by layoffs, pay cuts and prolonged salary delays.
He warned that the year ahead could be ‘even tougher’ and urged journalists to diversify into digital and social-media production to maintain their footing.
Speaking during the AGM held in a Nairobi hotel, Waindi reported that SJAK had broadened its activity portfolio, launching its first medical wellness camp and rolling out skills development workshops in golf, athletics and chess.
“The association also deepened partnerships with Betika, the Sports Disputes Tribunal, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and the Media Council of Kenya to equip members with regulatory insight and professional support,” he said.
The president noted that the association’s office in Nairobi had been maintained and furnished with new computers, with plans to convert the space into a digital hub to help members adapt to a fast-changing media economy.
He added that the association also facilitated international reporting assignments through its cooperation with the Ministry of Sports, enabling several to cover major global events.
Waindi pointed to the launch of a new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and expressed appreciation to longstanding partners, among them LG Electronics EA (LG), Betika, KCB, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Excel Chemicals, for sustaining their support during a period of volatility in the sector.
SJAK Secretary General Moses Wakhisi said the association remained focused on strengthening the profession and expanding career opportunities for its members, adding that SJAK was ‘well positioned for continued progress’ with the backing of its partners and growing membership.
The AGM, attended by over 80 scribes in person and hundreds virtually, featured a light-hearted trivia contest sponsored by LG Electronics in which two participants walked away with microwave ovens from LG’s premium catalogue.
“Through our continued partnership with SJAK, we awarded our solo and grill large capacity microwaves, both of which are part of our cooking category lineup, to the winners of the trivia during the AGM. It’s our small way of saying thank you to SJAK for your unwavering support,” said Erick Onyango, LG’s Regional Cooking Product Manager.
Onyango said LG has over the last 10 years collaborated with SJAK in an award that fetes outstanding athletes every month.
He said the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month has honoured Kenya’s top athletes like Faith Kipyegon, Ferdinand Omanyala, Hellen Obiri, Eliud Kipchoge, Karan Patel, and many others who continued to lift the country’s flag high.
“But equally, we have recognized athletes Samson Opiyo Ojuka and Sarah Achieng’ whose names may not make daily headlines but whose dedication deserves our applause,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ag. CEO Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) Peninah Wahome in her message read on her behalf said that the sports journalists’ reporting has not merely informed, it has actively shaped national consciousness on doping and integrity.
“Your reporting has ensured the voice of integrity is never drowned out,” said Wahome adding that they have built the essential bridge of trust between ADAK, athletes, and the Kenyan sporting public.
She thanked the journalists for their unwavering professionalism and their commitment to the ideals of clean sport noting that the media has been an essential ally in reinforcing this trust.
By Anita Omwenga
