Kenya’s media fraternity this year honours a distinguished group of journalists and leaders whose work has shaped newsrooms, public debate and press freedom over several decades. From trailblazing investigative reporting and bold editorial leadership to frontline crisis communication, media advocacy and mentorship, these winners reflect the depth and diversity of Kenyan journalism.
Joseph “Joe” Odindo is recognised for a lifetime of newsroom leadership and transformation across major media houses and now in academia. Martin Mutua is celebrated for his steadfast political and parliamentary reporting and his pivotal role in public communication during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ruth Nesoba is honoured for her editorial impact, leadership within the Kenya Editors’ Guild and commitment to ethical, inclusive journalism. Dinnah Ondari is recognised as a fearless pioneer whose investigative work and media advocacy have opened new frontiers for accountability. David Makali is celebrated as a freedom warrior whose career and personal sacrifices have powerfully advanced media freedom in Kenya.
Ruth Nesoba: Championing Editorial Impact and Ethical Journalism
Ruth Nesoba has been instrumental in KEG as a committee member, as Vice President, and now as a trustee. She has shown strong leadership in steering the Finance, Programmes and Convention Planning committees, and has consistently made valuable contributions during KEG events, particularly town hall engagements and press clubs.
As Vice President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, Nesoba helped to strengthen newsroom capacity, promote ethical reporting, and foster collaborations that amplify voices that are often overlooked.
The impact of her editorial work—from coverage of social justice issues to regional policy debates—and her ability to shape narratives that prompt real questions, reforms and greater public awareness, make her a standout candidate for the Editorial Impact Award.
During her tenure as Vice President, Nesoba oversaw editorial operations for KEG publications and led meaningful engagements with key stakeholders, including government, civil society and UN bodies, helping KEG to live up to its mission and vision.
Martin Mutua: A Steady Voice in Politics and Public Communication
Martin Mutua has a long track record of covering major political and national events in Kenya. He is widely recognised for his work as a senior writer and News Editor at The Standard Group.
Throughout his career, Mutua has focused on parliamentary affairs and national politics, serving as chief parliamentary reporter. He covered key events and issues, including the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) report and high-profile judicial matters.
After leaving the newsroom, Mutua served as a Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Health during one of the country’s most difficult periods – the Covid-19 pandemic.
At that time, Mutua played a central role in ensuring Kenyans received clear, factual and timely information. He crafted and coordinated the daily media briefings by then Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, becoming a trusted link between government and the media. His professionalism helped build public confidence and contributed to a calmer, better-informed national response in a time of crisis.
Joseph “Joe” Odindo – A Lifetime in Newsroom Leadership and Mentorship
Joseph Odindo brings more than 40 years of experience in journalism and product development, much of it at Nation Media Group (NMG), where he helped set high editorial standards. He later transitioned to academia, where he continues to shape the profession through training and mentoring young journalists.
His career has not been without its knocks and bruises. At NMG, his editorial decisions came under intense scrutiny, particularly during coverage of the Westgate terror attack, when shocking images and headlines sparked national debate.
Odindo demonstrated bold newsroom leadership during the Westgate crisis, consistently upheld editorial standards, and championed the adoption of a gender-responsive policy at the Group.
He rose through the ranks from reporter to sub-editor, managing editor and eventually Editorial Director. He was also the founding editor of NMG’s regional newspaper The EastAfrican, which he led for six years. Later, he served as Editorial Director at the Standard Group, where, under his leadership, the company formally initiated its digital transformation strategy.
Odindo now lectures at the Graduate School of Media and Communications at Aga Khan University in Nairobi.
A self-taught journalist, fondly known as “Joe” Odindo, he truly embodies Lifetime Achievement in Journalism.
Dinnah Ondari: Pioneer Trailblazer
Dinnah Ondari is one journalist who is not easy to overlook. She began her career as a reporter and later rose to the position of Deputy News Editor at People Daily.
She was a key member and leader of the paper’s parliamentary reporting team, focusing on governance and legislative affairs. Dinnah is widely recognised for her fearless investigative work, which once led to her and a colleague being summoned before the National Assembly’s Committee on Powers and Privileges after they exposed corruption among Members of Parliament.
Her story, published in People Daily on July 30, 2018, titled “When watchdogs turn predators”, opened up space for journalists to call out Parliament and demand accountability from lawmakers. Despite threats and intimidation from MPs, she stood her ground.
Dinnah later transitioned to media advocacy at the Media Council of Kenya, where she has been at the forefront of the Council’s strategic work in promoting and protecting the rights and privileges of journalists, including safety, protection, and access to information.
David Makali: Freedom Warrior
David Makali is no stranger in media circles. He is a seasoned multimedia journalist, author and publisher who has made an indelible mark in defending media freedom. His record speaks for itself, beginning with his role as a pioneer of the Media Institute, an organisation that vigorously championed media freedom during the Moi era.
Makali has held significant editorial roles, including Managing Editor of the Sunday Standard, and Editor of Expression Today, a bi-monthly newspaper that championed human rights and press freedom. The publication provided an alternative platform for journalists to write about democracy and subjects considered “taboo” during President Daniel arap Moi’s rule.
As a newsroom editor, Makali paid a heavy personal price for his commitment to press freedom. He was sentenced to prison and tortured after refusing to reveal his sources in stories on the Goldenberg scandal, a stark example of the Moi regime’s intolerance of a free and independent media.
DANIEL OGETA: Editorial Excellence Award
Since graduating a few years ago, Dan has navigated a rapidly evolving media landscape, transitioning from a traditional newspaper reporter into a fully multimedia journalist. He now leverages digital tools, OSINT and emerging technologies to tell stories that are not only engaging but also impactful.
Beyond daily reporting, he actively supports his colleagues by subbing their stories and has volunteered to produce newsletters that drive subscriptions and audience engagement—initiatives he took on proactively and beyond his core responsibilities.
His work has earned recognition: several of his stories have won awards, reflecting both their quality and influence. One story even prompted the ombudsman to intervene, leading to the resolution of multiple issues, with others still ongoing.
Dan has moved beyond the traditional newspaper mindset by signing up for fellowships and short courses relevant to his career path, embracing innovation and adaptability as central to his journalism. His focus is not just on reporting, but on shaping stories that resonate, drive change and strengthen the impact of his organisation in the digital era. Recognition by KEG will further boost his confidence and affirm this path.
