PRESS STATEMENT
Nairobi, February 21, 2024
The Kenya Editors’ Guild wishes to congratulate the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) for its successful Annual General Meeting and elections which saw immediate former KEG President Churchill Otieno elected chairperson of the continental body. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the council members who were elected in positions as follows:
- Deputy Chairperson – Emmanuel Dogbevi (Ghana)
- Secretary General – Emang Mutapati (Botswana)
- Treasurer General – Sbu Ngalwa (South Africa)
- Zubeidah Kananu – (Kenya) – Member
- Durra Gambo (S. Sudan) – Member
- Zied el Heni (Tunisia) – Member
- Representative Algerie
- Representative DRC
As the sole platform bringing together the various regional bodies for editors in Africa, the African Editors Forum occupies an important space in promoting professionalism and excellence in journalism, as well as media freedom and safety of journalism especially in the face of intolerant regimes.
Churchill’s election comes at a time when crimes against journalists is on the rise in Africa.
Said Churchill:
“But let us not forget the human element of our craft – the stories of resilience, courage, and hope that define our shared humanity. In amplifying the voices of the marginalized, holding the powerful to account, and shining a light on the darkest corners of society, we affirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow,”
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu was elected as a member of the Council during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on Tuesday February 20 in Nairobi. Churchill will serve at the helm of the editors’ body for a period of two years, from 2024- 2026. A constitutional review committee was set up, with members as follows:
- Izak Minaar (South Africa)
- Rosemary Okello-Orlale (Kenya) 2
- Macharia Gaitho (Kenya)
Churchill outlined key issues in his agenda, which include:
- Press Freedom and Safety of journalists
- Implications for Digital Transformation
- Media Sustainability
- Standards of Journalism
- Media Pluralism and Diversity
“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards, to defend the freedom of the press, and to stand in solidarity with our fellow journalists who risk their lives in the pursuit of truth.” said Churchill in his acceptance speech.
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu welcomed Churchill’s election, committing to work together with the Africa Editors’ Forum.
“Collaboration is key in our media space. Gone are the days of working in silos. Let us continue to build the journalism profession by sharing lessons in Kenya and Africa,”
KEG welcomes the victory and is confident that the two professional associations will develop a partnership and work together to continue to influence the regulatory and professional environment for the media in Kenya, as well as scale up journalism standards in the continent.
Mathatha Tsedu, founding member of TAEF and long serving South African journalist, was honoured with a Lifetime Service to Journalism Award.
