April 17, 2025
We at the Kenya Editors Guild are deeply saddened by the passing of Ochieng’ Ogodo, a long-standing member of our community and one of Kenya’s most accomplished science journalists and editors.
Ochieng’ dedicated his life to telling stories that mattered — especially those that helped the public understand science, the environment, and development in ways that were both accessible and impactful. As the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator and Editor for SciDev.Net for over 12 years, he played a key role in shaping science journalism across the continent. His voice resonated globally through contributions to respected outlets including National Geographic, Nature Medicine, The Guardian (UK), British Medical Journal, and locally through The Standard Media Group.
He was a founding chairperson of the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA) and served on the Executive Board of the World Federation of Science Journalists from 2008 to 2023 — an extraordinary testament to his leadership and vision. In 2008, he was recognized with the Reuters-IUCN Media Award for Excellence in Environmental Reporting, a well-deserved honor for his commitment to environmental issues.
Ochieng’ was not just known for his sharp editorial eye and storytelling skill, but also for his generosity with time and knowledge. He mentored many young journalists and was always ready to support colleagues, quietly yet consistently. With a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi, he combined academic rigor with journalistic instinct in ways that elevated the profession.
We will remember him not only for his achievements, but for his kindness, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of journalism to inform and improve lives. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity.
Rest in peace, Ochieng’. Your work lives on in the stories you told and the lives you touched.
ZUBEIDAH KANANU
PRESIDENT
ABOUT THE KENYA EDITORS’ GUILD
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) is a not-for-profit professional organisation that brings together senior print, broadcast, digital, and other electronic media editors. It seeks to: defend and promote media freedom and independence in Kenya; promote quality and ethical journalism; provide a forum for the discussion of the challenges facing the media and editors; and to network with other professional organisations, among other imperatives.
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KEG Tribute – Ochieng’ Ogodo (Full Statement by KEG President Zubeidah Kananu)
